𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞~𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Chapter 36: But...But You're My Best Friend

Max's POV

I watched as Eleven hugged all the boys with such adoration. She hadn't even noticed me. I sighed, looking at Lucas. He was beaming widely, deep in conversation with El. My heart ached to be with them. To be accepted by El. But why would Mike still be my friend when the girl he loved hated me with every inch of her body?

I got that they were all excited about seeing their old friend again, but didn't they remember I was still there?

I stood, moving towards the stairs slowly. The feeling of rejection slowly creeping into my heart.

"Hey Max! Where are you going?" Will called lightly to me, making the rest of the party turn their heads. I could see El's expression change when she saw me. She glanced at Mike, who was looking at me. I moved my gaze away from her delicate face. I couldn't bear to see the jealousy and hate that was most likely painted on her face.

I crossed my arms, to protect myself from their eyes. Tears started welling in my eyes, "I'm not feeling very well. I'm gonna just go home. See you guys later," I turned quickly, almost running up the stairs.

El's POV

I turned my head, hearing Will say her name. Max's name. The girl that had captivated Mike.

She was prettier than before, her tom boyish appearance was disappearing and transforming into curves.

She looked in my direction, a look that I couldn't quite identify. The red haired girl was looking directly at Mike, glancing at Lucas occasionally. I turned my head, gazing up at Mike. He stared at her with a confused expression. A pang of jealousy twisted in my full stomach.

She looked down, "I'm not feeling very well. I'm gonna just go home. See you later," and with that, she turned, running up the stairs.

"Max! Wait!" Lucas yelled after her, having a sad expression.

I glanced at Mike again, his emotions practically seeping through his pores. He let go of my hand, swiftly following Max up the stairs, "Max!" he called, pleading with her.

"What is he doing?" I asked, my heart pinching slightly.

Dustin looked over at me, "Let him go. He understands her like none of us can."

I looked down, feeling sick. Maybe...maybe things have changed.

Max's POV

I ran through the hallway, avoiding anyone that may be in the house. I couldn't explain to Mrs. Wheeler why I was crying.

Throwing the door open, I ran out of the house. It had started raining, making the ground wet and slippery. I hugged my arms to my chest, searching for warmth.

I let the tears fall, letting myself pretend that it was only rain on my blotchy face. I could hear a faint voice behind me.

"Max. Max, where are you going?" He whispered softly, just loud enough for me to hear it above the downpour.

I stopped walking. I knew he wouldn't let me leave anyway.

"Max. What's wrong?" He questioned gently, trying not to push me.

I whipped around, not believing that he didn't know what was wrong, "It's her, Mike."

His face didn't change when I stated my accusation, "El?"

I nodded, raindrops shaking out of my hair. He sighed, putting his hands in his pockets.

I started shaking my head, "Mike, I can't do this. I can't be around her. She...she hates me. And don't say it isn't true because you know it is."

He just stared at me, looking down every so often, "Max, why are you leaving? We want you there. I want you there," his eyes pierced mine, pleading with me to stay.

"I can't. As long as she's there, I can't stay. Mike. I know what she means to you. I know she's more important to you than me. And I don't want to get in between that. You're so happy," I laughed airily, "You light up when she's here. And I can't and won't take that from you. As long as I'm there, she will be jealous," I spewed, making him look at me sadly.

He moved closer to me, grabbing my hands tenderly, "I don't want you to go. And the others don't either. What about Lucas?"

"I'll still hang out with them sometimes. But not you."

"Why?"

"I explained this already! El hates me, Mike! And I can't keep going into a room and have her glare at me for doing nothing wrong!" I let more tears fall down my face.

Mike winced, "But...but you're my best friend," he looked back up at me, his eyes looking glassy like mine.

I pulled my hands out of his grasp, "But you know we can't be. So I'll just be Max."

He shook his head, "Don't do this. I'll talk to her. I'll try and make her understa-"

I clapped a hand over his mouth, "Just stop. It's no use. This is how it's gonna be, okay? I can't be the reason that she hates you too. So goodbye Mike," I turned on my heel, moving down the wet road. The sky seemed to darken as I walked away from my best friend.

"Max! El isn't the only person I care about! I care about you. You make me happy," he yelled desperately after me, his voice cracking.

I let a sob escape my throat. I ran back to him, hugging him tightly. His arms rested around my back, "I know. I just can't anymore."

I unwrapped my arms from around him, crying hard now.

"Please Ginger."

I winced, closing my eyes, "Don't."

And with that, I ran down the road, sloshing through puddles. My heart ached in my chest making me want to rip it out of my body. I was miserable. And I knew that crying wouldn't help me this time.

Will's POV

We all looked at the stairs, hearing Mike's heavy footsteps descend them. He was completely soaked, his hair dripping and curling into little ringlets. His face was wet, probably not just from the rain. I knew Mike. And I could already hear the words before he spoke them.

"She's not coming back...ever."
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Okay, I'm so sorry. This literally hurt me to write. I thought it was needed to have Max leave. Don't worry tho, Madwheeler will be back. Just not for a while.