it's blue (a cruel summer with you) || Byler

one

one

Will Byers never left the house. He spend his days stuck in his room. In there, he had everything he needed: his phone, his iPad, his computer and streaming platforms on all his devices. He would never admit that he was addicted to his screens but his mother sure had had enough. He had just finished his junior year and now had the summer off. This time, Joyce was going to make sure he didn't waste his time on his pathetic screens.
Will had been off school for a week. He'd spent that week up in his room mostly scrolling through Pinterest looking for art ideas and saving them even though he was probably never going to do them. He was watching a new Netflix series on his computer when he heard the handle of his door tilt. In came his Mom.
"Hey! Can you not knock?!"
"Alright that's it." she said.
She stormed towards him, shut his computer and took the iPad laying on the bottom of his bed.
"No more screens." she ordered.
"What the hell?? Why?" Will protested.
"Because you're better than this. Just do something Will. Anything. You're wasting all your time."
"I-I'm not."
"You are. And you know you are? Will sweetie you're leaving for college in a year... Is this really how you want to spend your day? Watching Netflix?"
"No but–"
"No buts. I'm letting you keep your phone but the rest... No."
"You do know I still have Netflix on my phone right?"
"Not anymore. I'm cancelling the subscription."
"What? You can't do that!"
Will was starting to get really irritated.
"Hum yes I can. May I remind that I'm the one paying for it?"
"Then I'll pay for it!"
"Alright. With what money?"
"Well like my savings..."
"They're for college. You're not spending your life savings on streaming!"
"It's not like it's enough for college anyway. I probably won't last a month with that."
"And whose fault is that?"
"I don't know–"
"Yours. How many times have I told you: 'Get a job to save up for college!'?"
"Yeah but I couldn't have a job after school anyway because we had too much homework."
"Not anymore. You're off school for the summer and now you've got plenty of time to spare."
"I'm not getting a summer job Mom!"
"Then don't complain that when you get to college you'll be struggling to pay for things."
Will puffed and sighed.
"Just think about it Will. I don't want you to look back at this and feel full of regret."
"Wait! When will I get my computer back?"
"When you do something productive of your summer. For example: getting a job."
Joyce left the room with Will's devices in her arms. Her son lied back down on his bed and opened his WhatsApp group chat on his phone.

Will: Guys...looks like I'm gonna have to get a summer job. 💀

Lucas: Oh no that's the worst😬

Will: Do any of you guys want to like apply somewhere together? That way the times will get by quicker and it won't be so boring

Lucas: Sorry man I'm really not up for it

Will: How about you Dustin?

Dustin: Can't. Sorry I'm going off to summer camp.

Will: Well shit💀😭

Lucas: You can ask Max

Will: I seriously doubt that your girlfriend will won't to apply to a summer job with me.

Lucas: Yeah you're right.. Look man I'm really sorry

Will: It's fine I understand it completely. If I had the choice I would do the same as you

Dustin: Why are you getting a summer job anyway?

Will: My mom wants me to save up for college

Dustin: that's understandable 🤷‍♂️

Will: Yeah I know but I just can't be bothered to go and apply for one. Like where would I even apply to?

Lucas: there are plenty of places that offer jobs to people our age.

Will: I guess

Dustin: maybe try somewhere at the mall

Will: Yeah. I'll go later. I just need to get dressed lol

Lucas: You're still in your pyjamas?!

Will: I was watching something on my computer before my mom TOOK IT AWAY 🥲😭

Lucas: what she took it away? why???

Will: because she wants me to do something "productive"

Lucas: Like getting a job?

Will: Yeah

Dustin: You know you might be surprised, you might have loads of fun on your summer job 😁

Will: haha i don't think so...

Will put his phone down and got an outfit from his closet. Something basic but still smart. He wouldn't be getting a job anywhere if he was dressed scruffy.