Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Nine

Everyone watched in confusion as the brightly coloured pizza van pulled up just before the driveway. A man in just as equally bright clothes with long, dark hair stepped out, confusing them even more. But not long after, the other door to the van opened and the Wheeler women gasped as Mike came into view, followed by Jonathan, Will and Eleven.

Steve and Robin watched as everyone else started to run towards each other, each embracing their family and friends. Steve watched in relief as Nancy threw herself at Jonathan and he hoped this would stop her weird behaviour towards him.

He was pulled from his thoughts by Robin laughing. He looked to where she was looking and chuckled as they listened to Mrs Wheeler tell Mike he wasn't allowed to leave ever again. Not even to go to college. He then turned his attention to the trio on his left. Dustin had hobbled towards El and Will and they had pulled him carefully into a hug, having noticed his bad leg. It was truly heartwarming and Steve was glad they were all back together again. Although his mood darkened a bit when he thought of Max and how she wasn't there with them. He vowed to himself to stop by the hospital later and check on her and Lucas.

"We'll get her back, Stevie. I know we will." Robin said, as she gave him shoulder a squeeze. It was like she had read his mind.

"I know." Was all he could get out.

"Hey man!"

Steve turned his attention away from the kids and was surprised to see Nancy and Jonathan walking towards him hand in hand. Nancy looked a little awkward while Jonathan looked weirdly happy to see him. They had been okay with each other since the summer before but they weren't exactly friends.

"Hey, Jonathan. It's been a while!" He replied, putting on his best fake smile. "You guys look like you've been through as much as we have."

"Oh man, you have no idea. We should all meet up later and talk about it. I think we're all missing pieces of this puzzle."

"Definitely." Robin piped up, thankfully taking the attention away from Steve. "We should get to the school though, guys."

Nancy cleared her throat and gave them an sheepish smile. "Actually, I'm going to stay with Jonathan. I'll catch you guys later!"

Robin and Steve nodded at her before watching her take Jonathan's hand again and drag him over to the pizza van so he could introduce her to his long haired friend. Steve was relieved she wasn't going with them.

"Things have been so weird with you two since the other day. We don't have time right now but we will talk about this later!" Robin whispered in his ear even though no one else was near them.

"Promise."

Mrs Wheeler shook her head as she watched her daughter go. She knew there was no chance of her going to the school with them now. "Hey, Steve. I'm about to go to the school now. Are you staying here for a bit?"

"We'll be right behind you, Mrs Wheeler!" He replied, pushing away from his car.

"I've told you before that you can call me Karen!" She playfully scolded causing him to chuckle. She then got into her car and drove off, not even bothering to try and get her daughter to go with her.

Robin hopped in the passenger side while Steve turned to the little group in front of them. "Dustin, man, are you coming or staying?"

Just as he hoped Dustin didn't even hesitate to say goodbye to his friends and make his way to Steve's car as fast as he could. Steve was on standby ready for if Dustin needed help but the teen didn't need it. Steve gave the others a small wave before getting in the drivers seat and setting off for the school.