𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞~𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Chapter 37: Did You Just Call Me Zoomer, Wheeler?

Will's POV

Mike whispered the statement sadly. He sat on the last stair, his face in his hands.

Dustin took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair, "What do you mean, man?"

Mike glanced up, looking slightly annoyed at the curly haired boy, "She left the party."

Lucas was shaking his head, "Why? We need to go after her," He started moving towards the stairs but I held out my arm to stop him from going any farther.

"It's no use, Lucas. If Mike can't get her to come back, I don't think we can," I slumped down next to El, who was looking slightly confused.

"Why did she go?"She finally spoke, her voice breaking the tension slightly.

I moved my gaze over to Mike. He couldn't bring himself to tell her. Mike instead gave me a knowing glance. Nodding, I figured it was exactly as I thought. El. That's why Max left. Because of El.

"She...well...she felt a little forgotten. Because of all the commotion," Mike slurred, obviously trying to avoid saying the real reason straight out.

El nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer. Lucas had his head propped up onto his hand, looking sad. I felt bad for him. He couldn't help Max. And he knew it. Mike was closer to her. And even he couldn't get her to come back.

Max's POV

I stop mid stride, "Shit. I forgot my stupid sweatshirt," I smacked my forehead, knowing that I had to go get it now. It was slightly chilly tonight and walking home wouldn't be fun without long sleeves.

I turned quickly, walking as fast as possible back to Mike's basement door. I didn't want to interrupt anyone if I didn't have to.

I reached my hand out, opening the door as quietly as possible. The hinges let out a loud creak, making the people gathered in the room turn their heads.

"Max," Lucas whispered, standing at my entrance.

I hugged my arms to my chest, trying to control the shivering, "I forgot my sweatshirt,"I mumbled, avoiding their intense gazes.

Will looked around for a second, picking up a piece of clothing, "This it?"

I nodded, "Thanks," he handed it to me, his hand grazing mine.

"Holy shit. You're hands are freezing!" his eyes widened.

I put the sweatshirt over my head, sliding it on, "Hint why I needed the sweatshirt," I turned back to the door, prepared to leave.

I heard the smooth voice, the voice of reason in my chaotic life, "Max. Just wait."

I glanced back at him, at Lucas. His eyes held too many emotions. He looked so hurt, I could almost feel his heart breaking across the room, "I...I have to go," I looked away.

He walked towards me, grabbing my hands. He gave me a look that pleaded with me to stay. Oh, how could I say no to those beautiful eyes?

I let him lead me farther into the room, all eyes on me. Including El's. Her gaze seemed to be slightly less accusing this time which made me feel less isolated.

I finally looked at Mike. His gaze almost broke me. While Lucas calmed me, Mike made my heart beat with anxiety and guilt. I left. Just like that. But it had to be that way. It was better for him and I was willing to give him up so he could be happy. My heart ached to run to him and hug him and tell him that he was the greatest friend anyone could have. But El was watching. And I couldn't compromise that.

I sensed he could read my thoughts as he moved closer to me, "Just stay. Stay over and we can all have a good time. All of us. Together."

I shook my head, "I don't know..."

He scoffed, "Max. We want the whole party here. Not just the boys. Not just me and El. Not just Dustin and Will. We want you. Because you are the sixth party member. You're our zoomer," a smile crept upon my face when he said it.

I smirked up at him, "Did you just call me zoomer, Wheeler?"

He chuckled, "I guess I did."

I looked down, glancing around slightly, "Are you sure you want me to stay, because I don't kn-"

Dustin practically screamed it, "YES!"

"Woah, okay."

Mike grabbed my elbow, leading me to the stairs, "Come on, you're soaking wet. I'll ask Nancy if you can borrow some clothes."

I followed him up the stairs.

Dustin's POV

I watched as Mike and Max disappeared up the stairs. Their feet vanished and I slugged Lucas in the shoulder, "DUDE. Heart eyes much?"

Will snickered, "Why don't we skip the movie marathon and read some Shakespeare instead," Lucas scowled.

"Guys, stop."

I laughed, watching Will keep teasing him. I glanced to my left, seeing El watching the stairs intently. Moving over to her, I elbowed her side lightly.

"Whatcha doin?"

El got out of her daze, looking at me with a weird expression, "Nothing," she averted her eyes to the floor.

"Why are you watching them?" I decided to push her a little bit.

She looked sad and slightly suspicious as she looked back at the stairwell, "Max and Mike. They're...so...so close," she glanced at me, a bit of embarrassment in her soft brown eyes.

I nodded, not even trying to deny it, "They have an odd friendship. I don't really know how to describe it."

She frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Well, Max and Mike hated each other as you probably know," I looked at her for her acknowledgement.

She shook her head and I went on, "Well, they did. They really hated each other. But they decided to talk things out and I guess it all got resolved. Then this whole drama thing happened where Lucas thought that Max and Mike were dating just because they had watched a movie together. But it was just because they had tried to resolve their problems and shit like that. But Lucas got super pissed and he wouldn't listen to Max. But Mike was there for her. He was the only one that could help her. And he is still the only one who can talk sense into her. Not even Lucas can. I dunno, they were just meant to be best friends, I guess."

El seemed to be processing my explanation. I hoped that it made a difference in the way she viewed Max. I watched her, waiting intently for her answer.

"Oh...I guess it's just weird to have Mike pay attention to another girl," she shrugged.

"Yea. It's hard having the girl you like go out with your best friend," I glanced at Lucas, a sudden rush of sadness flooding my body, "It's really hard."

El only nodded. And we sat in mutual understanding, just the two of us.

And she seemed to actually understand.