Its A Secret: An Elmax Story

Chapter 1: We Meet for the First Time

"Everyone meet your new classmate," Mr. Clarke said as he walked to the front of the classroom. He was in a good mood today, we could tell from his smile. And that was when she walked in, her beautiful smile plastered across her face as she walked to the front of the classroom.
"Hi, I am El, short for Eleven." she said timidly as she went to sit down in her seat. I stared at her in awe 'Who is this girl, I've never seen her before. Who is she?' these thoughts swarmed around my head. I didn't hear Mr. Clarke's intro anymore. My head felt like it was back in California and I was underwater but I only saw her and her face. Those shiny brown eyes, and her wavy, short hair, she looked so simple but so good at the same time.
"Max, Max. Earth to Max." it was all mumbled, I barely heard him.
"MAXINE MAYFIELD, DO YOU HEAR ME?" the mention of my full name was enough to break my trance.
"Uh huh," I muttered. I was mad at him, but that was all gone when I saw my classmates staring at me. My boyfriend Lucas, looked at me like I was crazy and I hung my head in shame. You see, I think he is very close to finding out my secret. Something I had never told anyone. The truth is, I have never truly liked my boyfriend. I was kind of forced to be in the relationship. He liked me and I gave him hints. Its partially my fault for giving him the go-signal. I allowed him in and there was no backing out. I thought it would be a great cover-up for my secret. I am queer. I am still confused to who I like, do I like boys or do I like girls? Maybe both. But in Indiana, NOBODY can know. I'd be humiliated in class if word goes out I liked girls. I was never the definition of normal anyway but I like the secrecy. And now, he is very close to finding out who I am...
"Max, are you feeling ok?" Mr. Clarke looked worried.
"Yeah, I'm perfectly happy."
"Please stay after class." he meant business. I couldn't stop staring at her but I managed to get through class without embarrassing myself any further.
*bell rings*
The students rushed out of the classroom. Lucas stayed behind.
"Mr. Sinclair, please leave the classroom. This is a private matter." Oh no, a private matter? Not again.
"Ok Mr. Clarke. I will leave."
He turns to me, "Max, I will be waiting outside ok?"
"Um, I think I will be fine on my own,"
"You sure?"
I gave him a thumbs up. He left the classroom hesitantly. Mr. Clarke shuts the door.
"Max, you have been zoning out today. What seems to be the matter?"
"Mr. Clarke, I am fine don't be worried."
"I know that you are very independent Max but if you need help come to me alright? With your situation, I know you are dealing with your parents' divorce. If you need someone to talk to, you know who to call." Mr. Clarke means alright but it wasn't about THAT. Now I am actually upset.
"Ok, Mr. Clarke." I gave him a fake smile.
"Max! Remember, when life gives you mold, make penicillin alright?" he laughed at his own joke. Which I don't get but I'll roll with it. I laugh with him anyway.
"Um, hi!" Eleven waved at me. I waved back and smiled at her.
"Hey, what's up?" I desperately wanted to start a conversation and maybe end up with a new friend.
"Um I'm good, I am new here," she grinned, but her words seemed very uncertain.
"Well, where are you from?" I knew she has lived in Hawkins but I needed to know her background story.
"I live here with my parents and brothers. My dad is Hopper, he is a police chief, my mom is Joyce. She married my dad a year ago. And my brothers are Will and Jonathan, Jonathan is older and Will is my age. Its my first time going to school but I have lived here for 2 years."
"Do you like it here?"
"Yes, I like school." her words seem rehearsed but I was happy with the information I got.
"Do you want me to walk you home?" I asked her and she nodded happily. We talked about some bands we liked. We both liked Journey and laughed about Cyndi Lauper.
"GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN" we sang at the top of our lungs and it was great. My walkman came in handy, she was very interested in how it worked. I noticed some distortion in the speaker so I told her I would fix it. She looked uncomfortable. Sooner or later, her nose started to bleed.
"Oh, we need to get you home," we ran to her house and I saw him for the first time. He ran and held her in his arms. I felt angry, 'who is he, does he know her?'
"Hi, thanks for bringing her home. Who are you?" he asked.
"I am Max, her classmate." We looked at each other (maybe judging each other).
"Well thanks. I am Mike, her boyfriend." Those words stung. What am I feeling? Is it wrong?
"Nice to meet you Mike," I said coldly. He brought her inside and came back out.
"You go to Hawkins High right?" he asked.
"Yes, yes I do. Do you?"
"Yes, but I am in a different classroom." Suddenly I remember him. He was one of Lucas' friends in his nerdy D&D party. I don't remember him though. I felt so stupid standing there so I left. I ran home crying not knowing what to do next. She seems nice enough so maybe we could be friends. But it wasn't enough to make me feel better...
   TO BE CONTINUED....