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CHAPTER FIVE TUNNEL VISION !
before they left for the quarry, el had been given an old pair of jeans and t-shirt from dustin to put on, instead of her dreaded karate uniform. the long blue t-shirt making her seem so small and venerable with her frizzy curls sticking out in every direction. mike thought she looked quite beautiful. including the bruise on her eyebrow.
originally, mike and dustin were to ride their bikes to the quarry, but since mike didn't have time to go and get his bike, they decided to walk instead. el shyly walked behind the two boys, her head down, and kicking the stones along the sidewalk.
mike looked behind him, making sure she was still there. he had a slight fear that he would turn around and she wouldn't be there- like he was dreaming, or she was just a figure of his imagination.
"all okay?" he asked, ducking his head to meet her eyes which still lay on the ground.
she looked up at him, twitching a small smile. "yes."
the trio continued their quiet walk to the quarry- minus dustins many remarks about that they should ding dong ditch max's house as they walked straight past it- and eventuated in the thick of the woods that lead to the gauge of water.
dustin suddenly slapped mikes arm. "hey look its lucas and max!"
mike peered through the bushes to see lucas and max sitting together by the quarry, which was also known as lovers lake. they sat together, holding hands and looking down at the water, max's head of firey locks cascading down lucas's back as she leaned against his shoulder.
"hey lovebirds!" dustin yelled out, running ahead of mike and el, leaving them speed walking to catch up.
once they emerged from the trees, brushing away stray leaves and twigs, mike and el saw dustin swinging his arms around lucas and max, cuddling them close. the wheeler boy couldn't help but laugh, but also feel somewhat guilty. everyone was here but will. but a part of mike didn't want will there- as he would probably make el uncomfortable just because of some stupid rumours his mother had told him.
el stood close behind mike, her hands gently tugging at his sleeve. he turned around, looking as she bit her nails and covered her bruise with her hair. "do you think they will like me?"
mike chuckled, tossing his hair out of his eyes. "of course they will! come on."
el nodded timidly, "okay."
and so they went. they walked towards dustin, max and lucas, who where bickering at each other like usual. mike smiled softly at his beloved friends, then down at el, who was still nibbling at her nails.
