You're the best and the worst ~ Byler

CHAPTER 1 - Mike💙

Monstrous tunnels of smoke bled from the gaping cracks that divided Hawkins. The air was bitter and tense as everyone just stood there solemnly and gawked at the helpless landscape. I could hear the heavy shaking breathing of Will Byers beside me. Turning my head slightly, I noticed his green eyes fill and reflected the heavy amber smog that plagued our town below. His eyes were pretty. In an attempt to comfort him, I cautiously rose my hand to meet his. My head stung hotly as I touched his skin. His hands were soft but devastatingly cold, it shocked me, sending prickling goosebumps dancing all over my skin. Even so, I began to intertwine my fingers gingerly with his. His head cocked towards me, and his face was riddled with confusion. I offered him a sad, slightly awkward smile as if to say, 'It's all right Will, well actually, it's not okay but at least we've got each other.' It was stupid but I hoped he found the sentiment comforting because he turned away sharply after that. Looking out again I spotted El trudging bitterly up the hill, wildflowers brushing up against her legs. She glanced at me, and Will and I saw her face flash with jealousy and her face dark and hollow. I snatched my hand back. It felt like ripping off a band-aid. Guilt flooded my brain; it made me feel weirdly dizzy. I didn't feel bad for holding Will's hand, I felt bad for letting go. One by one people disappeared to follow El, like moths to a flame, until Will and I were standing there solemnly together. Two lone statues. "We should follow the others," Will noted. His voice was strangled and shaky, but his eyes were now dry and cold. He couldn't look me in the eye. He turned his back on me, his hair billowed in the wind, it had grown loads over the last couple of weeks, it looked slightly shaggy. I liked it.

At the top of the hill, Hopper formed a plan for everyone to get some rest until tomorrow then we'd all regroup and form an idea of how to beat what's terrorizing Hawkins, even though all of us felt clueless. Nancy gave me a ride home, it was great to see her but honestly, neither of us were in the mood for talking. The car ride was dismal and silent. I fixed my eyes out the window. The glass was mottled with water droplets and dirt, but the outside was even more murky. Bare and skeletal trees waved frailly in the wind and rain had begun to dribble from the sky like an open wound. It was unnaturally wintery for a Spring Day. But then again nothing was normal in Hawkins.

When we arrived home and my heart sank when I realise what I had to do. El's resentful face suddenly flashed in my mind. It made me feel uncomfortable, but I needed to find out why she was still mad. I grabbed my bike from the garage. I'd had this bike since I was 11. It was rusted with time the paint was chipped and bubbled up in places. I didn't want to get rid of it. I was way too big for it, my limbs bent in odd ways so I could actually ride it, but it reminded me of when I was young. When everything was painless and simple. So, I kept it.

It was late afternoon when I arrived at El's Cabin and the light was steadily fading. My clothes were heavy with rain and my hair was matted with wind. I looked like a mess. I set my bike down and I heard it topple over and fall with a crunch onto the leaves that littered the ground. I reached out my hand and rapped on the wood desperately with my bony knuckles, they were blushed with cold. The door opened quietly, gently. Will was standing there, his eyes met mine and his entire face dropped and glowed scarlet. " Mike..." he uttered; his brows now knotted with uncertainty. "I need to speak to El," I announced abruptly. He stepped backward silently to let me in, he looked embarrassed and flushed. "She's in her room." He suddenly added as I was halfway down the hall. I sharply turned to gaze at him, and his arms were crossed self-consciously across his chest. "Thanks." I nodded and offered a rushed smile. I trudged down to her room, my sneakers making odd muddy footprints across the rug. My entire body tensed as neared closer to her door.

I stood close to the door and spoke through it, "El? Can I come in?" My voice I realized sounded high and stifled. No answer. "El, please," I spoke through the door again. Seconds passed and I had to swallow harshly to keep breathing properly. The door creaked open to reveal Els face, grey and miserable. She let me in. Then she slumped back on her bed, her head down, eyes clouded over. "El, I said 'I love you' I thought that's what you wanted. What else do you want? Please just tell me." She looked up at me as I declared this, she looked hurt. " I really don't know what else to do."