Mileven One-Shots

Happy Place (Incomprehensible Part Two)

(El's POV) 

I ran off into the woods, my brain scattering with thoughts. 

Did he just kiss me?

Does Mike Wheeler like me back?

Am I being crazy?

How are we going to tell everyone if anything progresses?

Is this going to progress?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden small, rustic, cabin that stood sturdily in front of me. I took a deep breath and approached it, my feet crushing the countless leaves under me. One step after another, I climbed the few stairs leading to the place I was proud to call home, fearing the fright I would see on Hopper's face when I walked in. I opened the door slowly, the creaks murdering my eardrums, expecting to see him in a state of despair, anger, and confusion. 

The door was fully opened, and yet, Hopper was nowhere to be seen. I checked in his room, and he wasn't there. I checked my room, and he wasn't there. I checked the kitchen, and he wasn't there. Where on earth was he? Finally, I walked outside of the cabin once again, and speed-walked to the opposite side. A scent of burning filled my nostrils, so I sped up my pace, fearing a fire was being lit. 

I ran to the back of the house, only to see Jim Hopper in an apron that read "best grandma ever", an old stained t-shirt, and cargo pants that I'd seen him wear a million times. 

"There you are! I'm making dinner! We will be enjoying steak that may be slightly burned, but it'll taste fine," 

My expression immediately changed from worry to confusion. Why was he not frantic? Did he not notice I had been gone all day?

"Yum. I was at Mike's by the way. That's where I've been all day in case you were curious," my heart immediately fluttered as I remembered how close we were not 10 minutes ago. 

"I know. Once you didn't return home from school, I figured you were over there and I called Mrs. Wheeler just to make sure. She told me you were over there and could stay as long as you'd like. I didn't know when to come and get you, I figured you'd call. Sorry for making you walk all this way," My worries fled as I realized I wasn't in trouble. My lips formed a smile as I thought back to the walk and the conversations that progressed from it. 

"What are you so happy about?" Hopper asked. I walked over and hugged him, thankful he wasn't worrying himself as much as I had thought. 

"I'm just glad you weren't worried about me. I was scared you were terrified and filed a police report or something," He chuckled and gave me a reassuring look before hugging me back. 

"Why don't you go inside to set the table, I'll be inside in a few with the food," I nodded and headed for the door, my hair being blown behind me due to a small gust of wind. I opened the door, listened to the god-awful creaking again, and went to the drawer near the sink to find the silverware in their respective spots. I took out two forks and two knives, along with two napkins. I peeked out the window to see Hopper monitoring the steak carefully, so I figured I had enough time to call Max and tell her what happened. 

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"Hello?" Max asked on the other line.

"Hey, Max! It's me, El!" I said

"Oh, hey, El! What's up?" Her voice was immediately perkier, and it made my heart smile.

"Well... something happened today... After you and Lucas left Mike's..." I told her.