𝓜𝓪𝔁 ❁

IV

***

Decmber 1st, 1986

"How do you feel about getting out today?"

"Good. I wanna go home."

"Be careful, your gonna hurt your leg."

The redhead chuckled lightly, "you know I'm not gonna be careful." She grabbed her skateboard, which was next to her bed, and her bag.

"You skate?"

"Yeah I learned years ago."

"Okay I think your all set."

Max gave her a small smile and walked to the waiting room. All her friends were facing the opposite way. Max being Max decided to scare them. She snuck up behind them, yelling a loud boo, scaring them all instantly. They all turned to face her, a smile appearing on each of their faces. They all linked arms and walked to the doors.

Once the kids made it out to the car, with the exception of falling about five times, Max handed her bag to Steve gently. "Hey does anyone know where my mom went?" Joyce looked at the four adults in front of her. They were all dreading this conversation. "Why don't we all go somewhere to talk?"

***

No one was in the diner when they arrived. Perfect. They got a large table and sat at it. Max was in between El and Will, all the adults sitting in front of them. "When did you get here?" She was looking directly at Joyce. "After Steve called to tell me you were in the hospital in goddamn California." The redhead nodded at her. "Where did my mom go?"

"Max you can't ignore this!" Steve was chasing the small redhead out the door. "Actually I can," she started walking through the parking lot. "We know now Max, theres no point in hiding anymore. Please just talk to us!" They were on the sidewalk now. She turned to face him? "What Steve! My dad raped me, Neil fucking raped me, Both beat me! My mom knew and did nothing. She knew about Billy. Everyone fucking knew about Billy! YOU KNEW ABOUT BILLY. STOP ACTING LIKE YOU FUCKING CARE! YOU DON'T! NO ONE DOES." Everything started spiraling out of her. Her anger at her mom for abandoning her, the blame she took for Billy's death, and everything else that came with it. She feel to the floor sobbing and punching the floor with her small fists.

Steve watched the strong girl crumble in front of him. "It's all my fault. Billy's gone because of me. My mom never gave a shit about me, Neil's a fucking asshole, and my dad is just as bad. I'm gonna events push you guys away too. Leave while you have the fucking chance, Harrington." She was sniffling now, her rant calming her down a little. "Max, I'm not leaving you. Listen to me," He held her small face in his hands, "Billy isn't your fault. No ones leaving Max. I promise," she looked up at him. He wanted to cry right then and there. The way Max looked at him, the way her tears kept falling. She looked so vulnerable.

Joyce found them hugging on the sidewalk ten minutes later. "Come back in, it's getting cold." Max wipped her eyes and got up fron the floor, walking back into the small diner.

It's not your fault Max.

Why can't you leave me alone?

Max. Why didn't you tell me?

You hated me.

I didn't hate you shitbird. I wasn't happy about you waltzing into my life but I didn't hate you.

Well now you know.

I could've stopped it.

It's over Billy.

It was more than once...

Billy leave me alone.

Max. Please.

As she looked up, she could see Billy staring at her, tears in his eyes. She bit her lip to stop her own tears and nodded. Her older brother gasped and put a hand to his mouth, muffling his sobs.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry Max.

I miss you.

I miss you too shitbird.

She walked into the diner and sat back at her seat, smiling at Robin. She was so thankful for her and her kindness. "Are you sure you want me to live with you? I'm pretty annoying." Robin nodded and smiled, "my parents have been talking about wanting to adopt for a while now. Plus, I wonder what it's like to have a little sister."

It's not fun.

Hey!

I'm just teasing, you know I love you.

Yeah yeah. Love you too.

"When can I get my stuff?"

"Once we get back to Hawkins."

"Is anyone hungry?"

All of the kids stayed silent.

"Okay let's get going."

***

The ride back to Hawkins was quiet for the most part. Max drifted in and out of sleep.

Max please try to sleep.

She had tried, but she woke up crying about a stupid nightmare.

No.

Max please.

Billy.

For your big brother?

Fine.

El looked over at the frustrated girl and sighed. She knew Max was hiding her feelings once again. "Max you should try to get some sleep." The redhead looked at her. She nodded as her eyes softened. "Hold me?" Her voice was so quiet, so weak, as if she could barely talk. She was sure El hadn't heard her and was surprised when she felt Eleven's arm snake around her waist, holding her close. Max smiled as she felt her tired mind give in, her eyes closing. She snuggled in closer to El as she fell asleep. Everything was perfect. But for how long?

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How long is it gonna be this way?