✓ Wake Up, Mike ⇔ Mileven {1st - "Wake Up, Mike" Trilogy}

Twenty Seven

The feels train is coming your way! Choo choo

Mike.

It's Sunday, we just woke up. I slept on the floor next to my bed. It's the first step to getting El used to sleeping alone. My back is killing me, but I really had no choice. I have to follow orders, whether I like it or not.

"El, it's time to get up," I spoke quietly, laying my hand on her arm. She slept curled in a tight ball all night and she didn't look like she was sleeping well. I wanted so badly to just climb into bed and comfort her, but I couldn't. I had to sit and watch her squeeze her eyes shut, almost like she was in pain.

She woke up quickly and looked up at me with eyes that looked to be melting. They slowly turned from fear to relief as she took in my presence. It hurt to see her so scared, she must've been having a nightmare. The moment I came to that realization, my heart sank.

"Are we going to Will's?" She asked loudly, and I realized she had been talking to me. I looked at her with apologetic eyes and nodded. "And I'll get to see my room?" I nodded again, but slower.

We got up fully and got dressed. She didn't bother looking too nice, apparently, but she still looked pretty to me. Jeans and a t-shirt are pretty on her. Everything is pretty on her.

"Ready to go?" I asked as she walked out of the bathroom, and she just nodded. We headed downstairs and my mom met us at the bottom. She said nothing as she lead us out the door. I haven't been talking to her, for obvious reasons. I love El and my mom is sending her away.

The ride was pretty much silent besides El's heavy breathing. I held her hand and tried to calm her down, but it didn't work. She just kept freaking out and I couldn't do anything to make her feel better. I felt useless once again.

Mrs. Byers and Will were waiting for us outside when we got there, and I'm pretty sure they both looked just as scared as El. Having a new addition to the house must be pretty stressful for Mrs. Byers, but she's the one who offered to take El in.

I looked around before getting out of the car, and noticed Chief Hopper was there, as well. We made eye contact as I slid out of the car and stood up. El climbed out after me and surprised me by grabbing my hand. I looked over at her and gave her a small smile, and she returned it, but neither one of them was comforting.

"Hey, El!" Will cheered, and she gave him a wide smile. It was forced, but only I would know that, so I didn't say anything. I just let him believe she was happy to be here, but she isn't. She'd rather stay with me.

We came early so we could all eat breakfast and discuss things. I wanted Lucas and Dustin to come, but the Chief said it was unnecessary. He's starting to get on my nerves.

We all walked inside and El looked around slowly, obviously not recognizing it too much. The last time she was here, the place had lights hanging up all over and the wall was covered in letters. Now, the walls are painted a normal beige color and there are no lights. There's nicer furniture, as well, since the Chief ruined all of the older stuff.

We entered the dining room and Mrs. Byers immediately told us to sit down. El and I found seats first and everyone else followed suit. Mrs. Byers left the room and then came back with a bunch of food. She must've been really worried about El liking it here, because the first thing I noticed was Eggos. El got excited at that and looked happy. It made me happy, even if she's only happy for a moment.

We started eating and everyone was silent for a minute. Soon, Chief Hopper decided to start a conversation.

"Look, I know you aren't happy about it, but this is just how it has to be. At least try to get used to being here and try not to act like it's the end of the world," He spoke softly, but his voice held authority. It made me mad, but I just set my jaw and pretended it was ok. The rest of breakfast was awkward and quiet, which just made me even more mad. We came here to talk about things and no one is talking. Everyone is just glancing at El, which was bothering her and no one even noticed. After a long, long while, I was fed up.

"Do you all mind? She's obviously uncomfortable and you're all staring at her," I spit out, and everyone turned to look at me with startled expressions. I didn't falter, though, I just continued to look at everyone with a mad expression. Will looked sympathetic, and he's the only one who did. El was just looking at me with surprised but thankful eyes, and I smiled slightly at her. I checked and she was done with her food, so I looked back up and gave everyone a fake smile. "We're just gonna go have a look at El's new room."

I didn't give anyone time to answer, I just lead El down the hallway and into her new room. She looked around for a while before turning back to me and frowning.

"I want to go home," She whispered, her eyes starting to glaze over with sadness. It hurt me to see her so sad, so I walked closer and pulled her into a tight hug. I held her for a long time and eventually felt her start to cry. I only hugged her tighter, there was nothing else I could do.

We stayed like that for as long as possible. We were cut off by my mom yelling for us, saying it's time to go. We pulled apart and she dried her face a bit, looking really embarrassed.

"Hey, El, it's ok, you look fine," I assured, but she still looked panicked. I gave her a small, shy smile before leaning closer and kissing her cheek lightly. "You look very pretty." And that's the widest she's smiled since yesterday morning.

We left the room and said goodbye to everyone, then walked out to the car.

"So, we're going home?" I asked, grabbing El's hand as we walked. My mom shook her head, and I gave her a confused look as she glanced at our hands.

"We're going to go get El a winter coat and a few other things."

"Alright, sounds good."

~

edit, 12-16-18: tf who shit in Mike's cornflakes?
Also I'm annoyed by it saying "Mrs. Byers" but oh well I'm not gonna change it lol