A Normal Life | Mileven

Chapter 3: A Promise Kept

"Now listen," Pop began, "I know you're excited, but remember;  it's just for one night.  Just one."

I sighed and closed my eyes, exhaling deeply.  "Just one night," I whispered.

"I'm sorry, El.  I know it's not what you were hoping to hear.  I know another year is a long time to wait, but..."

"But we need to be safe," I interrupted him.

He sighed and gave me a warm smile.  "Yes.  Nothing is more important to me than keeping you safe, kid.  That, and your happiness."

I smiled.  "I'm happy."

He raised his eyebrows. "Halfway happy?"

"More than halfway happy."  And I meant it. 

"C'mere, kid."  Pop pulled me into a tight hug and kissed the top of my head.  "Thanks for being so understanding.  I know this last year hasn't been the easiest, but it wasn't so bad, huh?  We'll get through this next one in no time."

I nodded as Pop let go of me.  "I'll be right back," he said before walking away and disappearing through the front door of our cozy little cabin.

I walked over to the couch and took a seat, hugging my knees to my chest.  I could tell just how much he hated breaking this news to me.  Dr. Owens had agreed to help me live a "normal" life after Pop and I rescued him and closed the gate, but he said it would take some time.  The first step was my new Birth Certificate that Pop brought home just yesterday.  And now, I would be granted one night out; one very special night of freedom.  But for the next year, I had to play it safe.  Pop was right;  I didn't want to hear that I'd have to wait one more year until I could leave this cabin or even step foot outside whenever I pleased.  I didn't want to wait one more year to go to school.  I didn't want to wait one more year until I could see my friends whenever I wanted.  But for this one night out, I'd wait forever.

My thoughts suddenly trailed back to more than a year ago.  It was late at night.    Pop and Joyce had taken the boys and I to Hawkins' Middle School.  They built a sensory deprivation tank for me in the school's gymnasium using an old wading pool and 1,500 pounds of salt.  I had just made contact with Will, who was still alive in the upside down, but just barely hanging on.  Pop and Joyce rushed off to Hawkins' Lab to find him before it was too late, leaving the boys and I at the school where they thought we'd be safe. 

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"Miiiiiike, I found the chocolate pudding!" Dustin shouted from inside the school cafeteria's kitchen, his voice cracking.

"OKAY!" Mike shouted back angrily before turning to me.  We were seated at a table inside the cafeteria.  His expression softened as he asked, "Are you feeling any better?"

I shrugged.  "What's... put-ing?"

"Pudding... it's this... this chocolate goo you eat with a spoon."  Mike frowned.  "Don't worry.  When all this is over, you won't have to keep eating junk food and left overs like a dog anymore.  My mom... she's a pretty awesome cook!  She can make you whatever you like."  He smiled.

"Eggos?"

"Well, yeah, eggos, but... real food, too.  See, I was thinking... once this is all over and Will comes back and you're not a secret anymore, my parents can get you an actual bed for the basement... or you can take my room if you want, since I'm down there all the time anyways.  My point is, they'll take care of you.  They'll be like your new parents.  And Nancy, she'll be like your new sister..."