Angelica "Freak Two" Munson

Chapter 33

"So, what's the plan?" Angie tosses her bag into the coat closet with more force than necessary, excitement coiling in her chest.

"Okay, here's the genius strategy," Mike begins, pulling out a folded piece of notebook paper, "we're going to hide in his mom's room—she gave us permission—and then, when Dustin gets into his room, we'll quickly hang the banner Will made. After that, El will make all his toys go absolutely crazy. He loves a good mystery, so she'll lead him outside, and boom! Surprise!"

"I love it. Let's do it." Angie smiles, practically bouncing in place. She hasn't seen Dustin since camp, and the thought of surprising him fills her with giddy energy.

Max leans against the window, eyes sharp. "Go, go! Car's in the driveway!"

Little did anyone know, Dustin had come prepared with a can of hairspray. 

By the time everyone yelled, "Surprise!" Lucas ended up with a face full of it.

"Oh, shit! Shit!" Angie yanks him by the arm toward the bathroom sink. "Max, can you help him rinse it out? Just keep going until it stops burning!"

"Y-Yeah, okay," Max stammers. 

She slides aside so Angie can take over, wanting this moment to focus on Dustin.

"Hey, Dust. I've missed you." Angie pulls him into a hug, squeezing tightly.

"Glad you're back," he whispers, holding her as if he never wants to let go. "You were off the grid when I left."

"Yeah... momentary lapse of judgment," she murmurs, half-smiling. "But I'm here to stay. No more disappearing acts."

"How's Steve?" Dustin asks, glancing around.

"H-He's, um... working," Angie stutters, mentally facepalming at her hesitation.

"He got the job?"

"Yeah. We can go see him later, if you want."

"Still... rough territory. Got it." Dustin lets go of the hug and grins. "I have so many inventions to show you guys. Come, come!"

They follow him into his room. 

He digs into a duffle bag and begins unveiling various inventions with dramatic flair.

"I call it... the Forever Clock. Oh, and this is the Slammer!" Dustin laughs at his own creativity. "Pretty neat, huh?"

Angie forces an enthusiastic smile, trying not to look disappointed at the others' lack of interest.

"But this," he says, pulling out a box covered in wires and metal, "is my masterpiece. Meet... Cerebro."

Mike wrinkles his nose. "What exactly are we looking at here?"

Dustin ignores him. "It's an unassembled one-of-a-kind battery-powered radio tower."

"So... a ham radio?" Will asks cautiously.

"The Cadillac of ham radios," Dustin beams. "This baby carries a crystal-clear connection over vast distances—North Pole to South. I can talk to my girlfriend anytime, anywhere."

"Girlfriend?" the group says in unison.

"Her name is Suzie. With a 'z.' She's from Utah." Dustin gestures proudly.

"Girls go to science camp?" Angie can't help a chuckle, which annoys Dustin slightly.

"Suzie does. She's a genius."

"Is she... cute?" Angie teases.

"Think Phoebe Cates... only hotter."

"What? Hotter than Phoebe Cates?" Angie repeats incredulously.