STRANGER THINGS S4/ "ONE MORE TIME"

Chapter 26.- "Happy, safe..." (Final)

It was weird coming back to Hawkins, you really don't expect to stay alive and come home after traveling to the other side of the world through a portal, facing such powerful interdimensional villains, practically going on a suicide mission, being there was really surreal.

The moment the car approached the neighborhood they could see what looked like a big celebration in the Wheelers' garden, as the car got closer the easier it was to make out everything, there were tables in the garden and everyone was there , Mr. Wheeler and Murray were arguing about something while they were near the grill, Joyce and Karen were placing the plates on the table and the guys were trying tricks with the skateboard, while the big guys (Including Khali) were discussing a stupid Steve theory, he said that if he signed up for the Hawkins police department, the girls would melt for him, while Robbin and Khali said that was impossible because he wouldn't even make it being admitted... whatever it was, it was a fun afternoon, the guys were the first to notice that a taxi was approaching.

"Dustin, if you put your foot that way you will break an ankle ... and." Max stopped talking while focusing her gaze on the oncoming car. "Its them? I think it's them!".

Everyone approached the street while the car parked, in a few seconds El, Mike and Nancy were being hugged while Hopper and Jonathan put down their suitcases. Karen slowly approached Mike and Nancy and put her arms around them, she couldn't stop the tears from running down her cheeks, she almost lost two of her children.

"I can't believe I could have lost them ... that we could have lost them". She said as she extended a hand to Mr. Wheeler who had Holly on his shoulders.

"I...I". Ted didn't know what to say. "I know I'm not expressive and I haven't been able to show you how much I care about you, but I want you to know that I love you and that when I found out about all the things you went through these years I felt very guilty, guilty of not realizing the reality... Mike, I almost lost you twice and I didn't... I... " "Its ok dad". Mike cut him off. "We all have a new opportunity to do things better, things will be better for everyone now ... right Holly?".

Mike said as he ruffled his little sister's blond hair.

"I am so proud of how strong you two are, you are so brave, all of you are ... we are happy that our children have such good friends". Karen said as she looked at all the guys and then looked only at Eleven. "And I'm also happy that someone like you has my son's heart".

"Mom!". Mike's face turned red as everyone else laughed.

"Come here sweetheart" . Karen offered Eleven a hug, she threw herself into her arms as she sobbed.

"Mrs. Wheeler, I'm so sorry, I put Mike in danger but I swear that I ..." "El ... I know everything, nothing was your fault". Karen cut her off. "You were the victim of selfish and evil people, I will not lie to you, there are many things that I still can't assimilate, all that they have told me is too much information and I know that it will take time to understand everything, but if I am sure of something, it is that you are a good girl and I am happy that now you can have a normal and happy life, surrounded by love ".

"Well, I'm glad your mother- daughter in law relationship works but we need help here!". The voice of Murray, Steve and Robbin was heard from behind where the grill was, it seemed that they were about to burn the whole garden.

"I help them!". Joyce nervously rushed, it was obvious that the only thing she needed was to escape from there, the last few minutes she had hidden behind the guys so as not to face Hopper, but he was not going to allow it and before she walked away he took her by the arm.

"I think they can solve it ... now tell me, will you be running away from me all day?" . Hopper faced her.

"What? ... What are you talking about? ... I'm not running away it's just that, now is not the time to talk about that kind of thing and ...". "So when's the time Joyce!" Hopper raised his voice as everyone turned to see them. Joyce noticed it so she understood that it was best that they go to a more private place.