A Friend I Need. Zoran And Will Byers with Byler Content

Chapter 8 - Danger, Danger

<A/N:  Violence and underage drinking mentioned.>

Will and Zoran were at the pool at the hotel they were staying at.  Zoran never swam before so Will taught him some basics starting with getting used to being in the water.  Zoran was afraid of drowning which is reasonable when you grew up in a desert.  Will was very calming and helpful. 

Will had Zoran float his head in the shallow end while grabbing on to the edge of the pool.  When he got used to this he told him to let go and kick his legs.

"Now you are going to attempt a backstroke.  Let go of the pool and kick your legs as you float away from the side.  I will be by you the whole time."  He attempted it twice and had complications but succeeded the 3rd time.  Will was happy he was getting used to the water.

"You are doing great Zoran.  Keep going until you get tired, but don't stop in the deep end of the pool."  Will started swimming while Zoran floated on by.  Will enjoyed being with Zoran because Will had a relaxing good time with him. 

At the hotel the 3 of them shared a double bed room.  Will and Zoran went with Joni to a Chinese restaurant to eat.  Afterwards they went back to the hotel and slept because their test was at 7 the next morning and they needed to leave early.  Zoran held Will in his arms as they slept because he felt protective of Will.  Will slept good that night.

The next day the 3 of them went to the testing site which was in a state department of education building.  The test had 4 sections and took 45 minutes each section with a 15 minute break in between each section.  Joni ran to go shopping while the boys took the test.

"That science section was hard, I hope I made through."  Zoran mumbled to Will.

"It wasn't that bad Zoran.  We went over the concepts so I am sure you passed."  Will put his hand on Zoran's shoulder.

"Is it worth going to this international school?  I don't understand why we can't stay and do school here?"  Will had empathy in his look as Zoran said that.  He agreed with him.

"Somehow us going overseas to school is suppose to goose up our school careers and get us into bigger and better things."  Zoran snorted.

"My life has been on a constantly increasing slope with no end in sight.  I would like to savor it."  Zoran and Will looked at each other with knowing looks.

"Yeah, being stuck in a radiation filled dead zone to this must be all overwhelming."  Will tried to keep a straight face because he knew Zoran's life went from one extreme to another.

"It isn't so bad since you are on the journey with me.  I am glad I found you Will Byers."  Will hugged Zoran and felt needed and loved.

The rest of the sections were completed and the two were done 10 minutes before schedule.  Will asked the Proctor when they would find out if they passed or not.

"Mr. Efta and yourself will be notified through the mail if you passed or not in a weeks time.  If you want I can run the template over your answer keys to see."  The boys nodded.  After a quick check of their sections the Proctor spoke.

"It isn't official but your sections look to be in order.  I think you have nothing to worry about.  You may leave."  The two boys left the room to meet Joni.

"Do you think we passed?"  A confused Zoran asked Will.

"He was not very clear but yes I think we did."  They high-fived each other.

The 3 left Indianapolis after eating and went back to Hawkins.  Zoran was spending the night at Will's house so they were glad this was over.

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