𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞~𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Chapter 24: The Boy I Loved

Mike's POV

I entered Hungry Hammonds with a joyful ring of the bell on the door.

I looked toward our usual booth in the corner. Max and Lucas laughed as Will choked on soda. I smiled.

I sauntered over to where they sat.

Will wiped his face, carbonation dripping from his nose, "Hiya Mike."

"Hey. What the hell happened?" I laughed.

Max was holding her stomach, choking on laughter. Lucas chuckled, "Max made Will laugh and he snorted soda through his nose. And now she won't stop," he glanced over at her.

"Wooh. Okay-I'm-I'm good now," Max gasped for air as she said it.

"Do any of you know why Dustin couldn't come?"

Lucas shrugged, "No clue. He just said he had something else to do."

I frowned, "Dustin would never plan something on diner day."

Max grabbed the straw of her milkshake, "Maybe he had something important to do."

I looked down at the menu in front of me. I hid behind it with my thoughts.

Why would he miss good food? Did he want to avoid us? Was he on a date?

I chuckled to myself at that thought. Dustin on a date.

Will looked over at me, "Why are you laughing?"

I glanced over at the small boy that sat next to me, "Oh. Nothing."

El's POV

I huffed. It was light out. I didn't want to get up at all. It would just be another day of sitting around doing nothing. I was tired. Tired of being so awake. Tired of being alone. Tired of only being able to talk to myself and Hopper. I needed to get out. I was suffocating.

I grabbed the dictionary on my nightstand. I had gotten to 'G' already. I guess I would start on 'H' today.

I sat up in bed, ready to dive into a boring day, when the Chief knocked softly on my door.

"El? You up?"

"Yes."

He opened the door and gave me a smile. I feigned a smile back.

He ruffled my now shoulder length hair, "I'm sorry that it's been so long since you got out and did something. But Dr. Owens says that you shouldn't leave the house until Halloween," I pouted, "But I think that you need to get some fresh air."

My teeth were showing as I beamed in surprise, "Really?"

"Really."

I jumped up and hugged him, wrapping my small arms around his stout waist.

He hugged me tightly, "Get ready. It's diner day today."

I gave him a puzzled look, "Diner day?"

"Yea. The party goes to Hungry Hammonds," he saw my confused expression, "I mean Benny's Burgers, to eat every week. And today's the day. Hurry and get dressed, we won't want to be late to get there. It'll really surprise them," Dad scooted out of the room, giving me privacy.

I hopped over to my closet excitedly, skimming through the rack of clothes.

What would Mike like me best in? Would he call me beautiful again? Or gorgeous? That was one of the words I learned yesterday.

I picked out a pair of navy jeans and a white T-shirt. I tucked in the ends of my baggy shirt and I buttoned the high waisted pants.

I looked in the mirror. Oh my god. My hair was a mess.

I quickly threw it into a little bun and I ran out the door.

"Come on Hop! Come on!" I yelled excitedly at him as we hopped into the car.

"Okay okay kiddo. Hold your horses!" He said, sliding into the vehicle.

We drove for a while then finally entered the little town.

Hawkins.

Mike.

We pulled into the downtown area and Hopper parked at the police station.

"Can you walk from here? It's just down the road. You go straight then you turn left at the stop sign. Then go right. It should be right there."

I nodded, eager to get away from my protective guardian, "I think I can find my way."

He smiled, "Okay, but make sure to go home with either Mike or Will. Call the station after you eat lunch okay?" He handed me a stack of faded green bills.

"Okay, Bye," I waved back at him as I disappeared behind a building.

"So straight, then turn left at the stop sign. Then turn right."

I made my way through the quaint little town, smiling all the way to the diner.

I turned another corner and there it was. The old diner had been transformed. A lump formed in my throat as I remembered that night. The night that evil blonde woman shot that nice man in the head. He was the first man to talk to me and to show me kindness. I missed Benny.

The new diner had a red exterior and a shiny sign reading 'Hungry Hammonds'. It looked amazing.

I walked closer, examining the interior. Red booths lined the walls, cream colored tables in between them. There was a large box in the corner that read 'music'.

I plucked up the courage and I opened the glass door.

I looked around, surveying the variety of people around the little restaurant.

There he was.

Mike.

He was laughing, his curly hair getting in his face. Will sat next to him, holding his stomach. Lucas smiled at the group. And Max. She sat directly across from Mike, her mouth open in a melody of laughter.

They all stopped laughing for a moment as Mike and Max stood to let the two boys who didn't have food go to the counter to order.

They both sat down again. Max was smiling at him, looking mischievous. They were alone together. Again. I frowned watching them talk.

Suddenly Mike reached forward and dotted Max's face with whipped cream from his shake.

I heard her squeal, "No you don't Sweaterboy!" I frowned as she smeared chocolate sauce all over his freckled cheeks.

"You think you're so clever, Ginger!" I frowned. He had a nickname for her. She had a nickname for him.

They laughed together. Mike was smiling at her. My Mike.

Tears filled my eyes, spilling like a hot fountain down my face. I turned and ran out of the diner, leaving the heartbreaking scene behind me.

He loved her.

Salt water continued to stream down my face as I crossed the road.

When I got to the other side, I couldn't help but notice a certain curly haired boy get into a car with a tall, douchey-looking guy.

But I couldn't focus on that.

The boy I loved just replaced me for the girl I hated with all of my heart's fury.
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As I read this while proofreading, all I can think of is of what Millie posted of her and Jacob kissing. It scarred me. I'm disgusted. But here's another chapter for ya.