Mileven Stories

Blossoming Worries (1999)

I have missed you all dearly! I hope you're all still riding the pleasantries from the season 3 trailer. Here's some more future Mileven for you all to enjoy!
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One of the worst things about being a writer was that the littlest inconveniences can serve as massive disturbances. Mike was in the midst of creating a thrilling chapter of his novel, finally making it to the character's climactic development, when a firm knock startled him.

He harshly swiveled his chair away from his desktop computer and trudged over to the entryway of his and his wife's home. When he opened the door, his eyes were met by something he seemingly had forgotten about in the hours that had ticked by.

Hopper raised an eyebrow as he took in his son-in-law's mildly disheveled appearance, "you were expecting us around dinner time, right?"

The lanky man nodded with halfway honest assurance and smiled as he took in the sight of his sleeping daughter, "of course. I just lost track of time with the book," he held out his arms before continuing, "I can take her."

"Willie and I were at the park for over an hour before we went and did some arts and crafts. I suspect she'll be tuckered out for the rest of the night," Hop said as he plucked his sleeping granddaughter off of his shoulder and placed her into the arms of her father.

"I'm sure she loved that," Mike beamed, "did you want to come in for dinner? El should be home in another twenty minutes."

Hopper shook his head, "I can't, Joyce is making homemade soup and I don't want to miss out. But tell El I'll call her at eight one five."

"As always," Mike said, essentially confirming that the phone call between the daughter and her father would happen as it was a consistent routine.

The two men stood there for a moment in comfortable silence as they watched over the sleeping toddler. Willow was already a brilliant three year old and would soon find herself placed in preschool. It was mind-boggling how fast her years as a baby had passed them by, but watching her grow had been a miraculous experience.

Hop cleared his throat, "by the way, I almost tripped over these on my way in," he bent over and picked up a vase of flowers with a smirk on his face, "it's already after Valentine's Day, Michael. Any special reason you're buying your wife flowers this time of the year?"

At the sight of the beautifully put together flowers, Mike felt his heart come to a subtle halt.

El was currently seven and a half months pregnant with their little boy and was experiencing a great deal of nausea. Spring had just sprung and it seemed that the change in the season came with the development of budding branches. The colors were bursting with joy, but Eleven's heightened system wreaked havoc at the slightest flowery fragrance.

So, no, Mike had definitely not bought his wife a bouquet of roses. However, it seemed as though somebody had.

Mike attempted to hide his confusion from his father-in-law, "well, you know me. Just being sappy."

The burly man before him furrowed his brows and clutched onto his shoulder, "kid, are you okay?"

Ignoring the concerned voice that was whispering in the depth of his subconscious, Mike forced out a tight lipped smile, "I'm fine! I'm going to go get Willow in bed so I can get a start on dinner. Be careful driving home."