Regular People [Elmax]

Chapter 8 - Regular People

[Song of the Chapter: Angel by Madonna]

They hopped off the bus at the stop near Max's house. They'd just about finished their ice creams as they got inside.

"Shit"

Max's step-dad and mom were home. Max motioned for El to be quiet as they snuck to her room but it didn't work.

"Maxine? Are you okay?"

"Yeah mom I'm fine"

Her mom looked Eleven up and down.

"Who's this?"

"I'm Jane", Eleven said before Max even had the chance to say anything. Hopper taught her that since her legal name is Jane Hopper, it would arouse suspicion if she told people her name is El or Eleven, especially since Eleven was apparently a rather unusual name.

"How do you know my daughter?", Max's mom did this whenever she met a new female friend of hers, interrogated them. That's the only reason her mom got involved in her life anymore, to interrogate female friends and encourage any relationship with a boy.

El went to answer but Max cut her off, "Lucas. Lucas has a friend called Mike, Jane is his girlfriend"

El was confused, she just dumped Mike's ass, did Max forget?

"Oh, so you and Lucas are still together? I thought you broke up", her mom looked stern, like she knew she was lying, but Max stuck to her guns.

"Nope. You must be thinking about the last time, we're back together now. It was all a silly misunderstanding I...I love him", Max forced a smile.

Her mom's face lit up, "aw that's wonderful!"

"Lying little homo", her step-dad muttered under his breath as he gave Max a cold stare that made her terrified in a way she hadn't felt since she was twelve. She pretended like she didn't hear him.

"I just came to pick up some clothes and magazines, I was wondering if I could maybe spend the night at Jane's?", she spoke quietly and chose her words carefully. She sounded vulnerable, an attribute El would have never associated with Max.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea-"

"Her dad's the police chief", Max glanced over at her step-dad who still had a murderous look on his face.

Her mom looked back at her husband and then back at her daughter. She knew what would happen tonight if Max was made to stay here.

"Well, considering he's the chief, I'm sure he'll keep a very close eye on you two so I'll allow it"

"Thanks, mom. Come on Jane", Max gestured for El to follow her to her room.

When they got in. Max closed the door behind them and let out a relieved sigh. She looked up at El who looked concerned and confused.

"I'm so sorry about that. Is it okay if I have a sleepover at yours? Just for tonight? I panicked and I didn't know what to say"

"What is a sleepover?"

"It's like when someone comes over to hang out but they sleep at your house instead of going home to sleep. So you can spend more time with them"

El still wasn't too sure if she completely understood the concept but if it meant spending more time with Max she definitely wanted to do it.

"Yes, you can have a sleepover at my house", El nodded.

"Thank you, you're the best", they shared a lingering hug before Max realized where she was and quickly pulled away. She grabbed her backpack and stuffed it with spare clothes and magazines. They left promptly without drawing the attention of the adults, Max didn't say goodbye.