teenage nightmare [ stranger things ] discontinued.

chapter eighteen.

TEENAGE NIGHTMARE
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN — PART ONE.
PLAN D.

         When the lights flickered back on, Franny felt a hand on her shoulder and she slowly opened her eyes to see Steve crouched down in front of her, a grin on his face as he told her, " I don't know what you did, but you did it. The lights are back on. "

Franny's face relaxed into a smile as she let out a small relieved laugh, and Steve stood, holding hand out to her. She took it and allowed him to pull her to stand as Jonathan headed towards the gate, running into the control booth. He pushed a button, but the gate didn't move. Dustin climbed into the booth beside him, insisting, " Let me try. "

Dustin just pressed the same button, as if he expected a different outcome, then exclaimed, " Son of a bitch! "

JP opened his mouth to suggest they try something else, but Dustin shut him down before he could, " I swear, guys, I think I— "

Then, as Dustin slammed his elbow into the button, there was a beep, and they all watched as the gate began to open. They all wore similar expressions of disbelief as Dustin grinned proudly, insisting, " Told you guys I would get it! "

Jonathan ran back to his car, and Nancy and JP moved to follow him. Franny's eyebrows scrunched together as she reached out to grab her brother's arm, pulling him back to face her, " Where are you going? "

" We have to drive up there. " JP told her, glancing back at Jonathan and Nancy before returning his reassuring gaze on Franny, " If those things break out of there and chase them, they won't have a chance on foot. "

Franny gave him a look, but JP insisted, " We're gonna be fine, you guys just need to be ready to go when we come back. "

" We will. " Steve confirmed, stepping forward and gently grabbing Franny's arm, making the brunette glance back at him. He gave her a nod, and she sighed, turning towards JP again, then looking at Nancy and Jonathan as well.

" You better come back. All of you. " She stated, and JP smirked at her, Nancy and Jonathan both sharing a small smile before nodding to her.

" Will do, sis. " He said, giving her a two finger salute as he backed away towards the car, opening the back door and sliding in, hanging out the window to give a final farewell, " See you losers on the flip side. "

               Then, the five were left alone outside the gate as the car pulled into the driveway of the lab. Lucas and Max busied themselves inside the control booth while Dustin and Steve sat around Franny, who'd sat crossed legged in front of the open gate, walkie in her hand as she tried to think of any other way she could help. Then, as if on cue, the radio crackled.