I'm back with another chapter rather quickly! Sadly I don't think I'd be able to continue to upload chapters fast due to my busy schedule, but I will try the best I can to do so. I kinda feel like the first chapters to ANY of the stories that I write are kinda bad and that the story doesn't start to pick up until the later chapters. I feel this puts readers off and makes them not wanna read the story anymore. Incase this is the case for any of the readers reading this story now, please bare with me. I assure you, the writing will get better as the chapters go on. Anyway, aside from my rambling, I hope you guys enjoy the chapter!

James awoke to voices of other kids talking amongst themselves. He slowly opened his eyes, blurry apparitions filled his vision. It took him a few moments to fully adjust to his surroundings and for his vision to clear up. But dread filled his stomach once he recognized kids he saw earlier standing before him. His eyes flickered from person to person until they met the unforgiving eyes of El. She was standing a little further back than everyone else with Mike by her side to calm her. But her gaze was as hostile towards him as it had been when he hit Mike and Dustin.

"No...no!"

James attempted to stand up but felt a sharp pain shoot through his head and immobilize him.

"El, let him go." Mike spoke, softly grabbing her wrist.

"It's not me. His head must still be sore from the ordeal."

"What...happened? Where am I? What did s-she do to me?"

Mike moved closer to James to calm him down. "Listen, just stay down. You're still in pain."

James lifted up his left hand to find his wrist wrapped up in hard gauze. There was a dull pain manifesting where his wrist was in the gauze. That must've been the result of El twisting it so far.

"Y-you could've killed me..."

"Maybe I should've." El threatened advancing toward James. Mike held her back before she could get close to him. He stared into her eyes and shook his head. "El, he's had enough."

She huffed and crossed her arms.

"She lifted me up into the air...twisted my wrist...started messing with my brain...how?"

Mike and El looked at each other realizing James knew about her powers.

"Y'know, she wouldn't have done that if you didn't go batshit on us." Dustin suddenly spoke.

James looked down in shame for his actions. "I...didn't mean to..."

"Looked like you did to me." Lucas spoke.

"Me too." Will said.

"New kid, there's a reason why we brought you here. Outside of the fact that you needed medical attention, we needed to talk to you about what you...saw."

James looked at Mike nervously. "About what she can do?"

Mike nodded.

"Are you guys gonna keep me in this basement to make sure that I don't tell anyone?"

"No no, we aren't gonna do that."

"Then...what are you gonna do?"

Mike knelt down to James eye level on the couch. Close enough for him to notice a red mark on his face where he punched him.

"We need you to promise us that you won't tell anyone about what you saw."

"Nobody at all." Dustin jumped in.

"Not even your parents." Lucas added.

James lifted up his sprained bandaged wrist. "What am I supposed to tell them about this then?"

"Don't worry." Mike said. "We'll handle that when we get you back home."

"Back home? You guys are really trusting me not to tell anyone?" James asked.

Everyone except for El nodded.

James felt some newfound responsibility slam into him. He was almost honored that these kids were trusting him to keep this whole thing a secret, despite their more than rocky start.

"Wow..."

Footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs. A high Schooler with long thick hair, being none other than Steve Harrington, came walking down the stairs and joining everyone.

"Ok what was it that you guys needed-" He stopped mid sentence when he met eyes with James. "Who's that?"

"The new kid." Dustin said. "That's what we called you for."

"The new kid?" Steve said skeptically. "Ok why is he here?"

"He saw El using her powers and kinda went nuts on us when we tried to talk to him. Then El got mad and used her powers on him." Dustin explained.

Steve walked up to James and further inspected the boy. "So...what exactly happened to him?"

"Well..." Dustin drifted off taking a look at James himself. "He's got a sprained wrist and a migraine."

"That it?"

Dustin took a moment to reflect on the situation from earlier. Remembering the first pop that came from James's body. "Check his shoulder."

Steve quickly tapped James's shoulder. Forcing a moan of pain to escape the boys lips.

"Yea he had a dislocated shoulder too." Dustin added.

Steve stood up and rubbed his forehead. "Guys what am I supposed to do with this kid? He's not horribly beat down but he's still pretty banged up. I can't just drop someone's kid off at their house when they look like this! His folks would probably call the cops on me!"

"They're not gonna call the cops, Steve. C'mon you're being ridiculous." Dustin assured.

Steve raised an eyebrow at Dustin. "Am I?"

"Steve look, we just need to get him home tonight so his parents don't go looking around thinking their son is missing."

Steve gazed at James again thinking about the idea of taking him to his house. He didn't like the odds he was given, but at this time he was the only one able to get James home without getting their parents involved in this situation. They especially didn't want Hopper finding out someone saw El using her powers. Steve rolled his eyes and groaned. Turning back and walking up the stairs.

"I can't wait til you guys turn 16 and start driving! C'mon let's go."

"I'll go with you guys." Mike said. He turned to El and saw that she still looked at James with the same glare she had before. "I'll be back okay?"

El met Mike's soft gaze and nodded. "I'll be here."

Mike flashed her a small smile then waved James over. "C'mon lets get you home before somebody gets worried."

James got up from the couch and followed Mike up the stairs. Feeling El's glare loom over him as he left.

"We really need you to keep this a secret."

"I get it, I understand." James said. Feeling like he's heard Mike say that for the millionth time.

"No I'm serious. If anyone finds out, El could be taken. She's been taken before and she doesn't wanna go through that again. We don't want her to."

"We?"

"Me, the group of friends you saw, basically everyone she knows."

James glanced at Mike confused. "Why? What happened when she was taken?"

Mike felt himself getting unnerved just remembering what El would tell him about being stuck in the lab.

"Horrible things happened. They used her, tormented her, and hurt her in ways that made her cry just telling me about it. They seem to be gone after what occurred last year, but I'm not taking a risk with those people."

James felt bad for El. Despite the fact she could've put him in the hospital with just a slight jerk of her head, he could understand the pain she must've gone through when she was with those people.

"Wow I can't even imagine what she had to experience when she was with them."

"Me either."

After that conversation most of the ride was silent. The only moments of dialogue was James telling Steve which was to go since he knew where his house was from where they were. But even while Mike was silent and James was being virtually left of the hook, he still felt a nab of guilt in the back of his head. He let his anger control his actions earlier today when all he had to do was remain calm and not lash out. And he was being reminded of it every time he looked at Mike, the one who trusted him the most, with the mark he left on his face. It was going to take a while for him himself to get over it.

After a few more minutes of driving they made it to James's house. A decent sized home, average lawn, and a 1970s convertible Cadillac sitting in the driveway.

"Alright, lets go kid." Steve said exiting the car.

James opened the door to leave but felt a hand grab his wrist and prevent him from leaving the car, hearing Mike's voice.

"New kid."

He turned and met his gaze.

"We're trusting you with this." Mike reminded.

James nodded. "I know."

Mike gave him one last trusting glance before letting his wrist go.

Steve was already at the door waiting for someone to answer while James walked to him.

A middle aged African American woman opened the door seeing James and then looking at Steve with a confused look.

"Hi ms, I'm with the Hawkins Baby Sitter Club. I was driving through the neighborhood when I saw your son being attacked by a handful of bullies in the area. He's a little banged up but it's nothing a few weeks won't heal up."

The woman looked at James and looked over him in concern. "Oh James! Are you hurt?"

"Just a little, Mom. I'm fine."

"Oh thank you, thank you for bringing him home!"

"No problem mrs uh..." Steve trailed off not knowing her name.

"Willard. Charlotte Willard." She answered shaking his hand.

"Mrs. Willard. It's no problem at all just doing my job."

Mrs. Willard said her goodbye before bringing her son in and closing the door.

Steve came back to his car and drove off shortly after with Mike.

"How'd it go?" Mike asked.

"Perfect, just told her some bullies in the area did it and that he'll be fine."

Mike nodded and sighed getting the hardest part out of the way.

"By the way, Mike, are you sure about trusting this guy? From what I heard your little friend did to him I'm sure he deserved it. What makes you so ready to trust him with this info?"

Mike shrugged genuinely out on a limb at this point.

"I dunno. I'm just hoping he keeps his word and keeps El safe."

Mike didn't know the kid at all, didn't even know that much about him at school. But there was something about him that Mike trusted. Something that was telling him that James was a good kid on the inside, and was able to be trusted. He'd just have to hope that gut feeling wouldn't be out of line this time.

The next day at school, it was The Party's lunch time, which they all had together. They all sat at the same table and tried to forget about what had unfolded the other day with James. El was with them today too, Hopper felt it may have been time for her to finally go to school since she was getting older and could use the social help and experience. She was shadowing Mike throughout the day because she was brand new. Hopper had also requested the principal to allow her to do so since El wanted Mike to show her around rather than find everything out herself because she trusted Mike the most when it came to new experiences. She was enjoying the day so far since Mike was teaching her everything she needed to know about her first day at school. He wanted to make it a special day for her since it was her first day. It was always fun teaching El, she was like a sponge of knowledge. Constantly learning and soaking in information.

She hadn't seen what lunch was like at school, only back at home when Hopper would let her know lunch was ready. But she grew to like school lunch better because she was able to sit with her friends the entire time.

Around the corner, in the lunch line, walked out James. He was also in his lunch period at the time. Keeping his promise and staying silent for The Party and mainly El's sake.

He spotted Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, Mike, and El all sitting together at their own lunch table. Collectively laughing and talking with one another. He realized how he had failed to apologize about his actions yesterday. He could still see the mark where he punched Mike in the face and the bruises Dustin had on his body that weren't being covered up by his clothes. If there was anything he could fix and put right at this moment it was this. He found himself nervously walking over to their table, his heart rate slowly increased each step he took.

It began racing faster when El's eyes were the first ones to spot him, her expression dropped instantly catching Mike's attention. Mike noticed James coming closer and soon everyone else watched as James approached them.

"Um...hey...I uh...I never really apologized about attacking you guys the other day."

"Yea you really didn't." Dustin said bluntly, earning a nudge from Lucas.

"I really didn't mean to just start going crazy on you and Mike. I'm so sorry about that."

"It's fine. As long as you didn't mean it." Dustin said.

"I didn't! I've had a lot of stuff happen with my family recently and it just kinda got to me in the moment. I shouldn't have yelled at you guys either, that was rude, and..." He met eyes with El who still looked like she was visualizing throwing him around like a rag doll.

"And I didn't mean to call you a freak either. I understand that was harsh and really uncalled for."

El didn't even respond to his apology. She just turned her attention back to her food and started playing with it. It was still clear she was harboring no love for James.

"It's alright, we all accept your apology." Mike said.

James nodded feeling some weight lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you."

He turned to find the table he always went to when he went to lunch. The empty one, where he felt the most comfort at. He couldn't lie to himself though, a small part of him was hoping that these kids he met would become his new friends in this town. But he already knew he messed that chance up from his actions the other day. He figured there wasn't any hope anymore at this point. But as he was walking he felt a hand grab his shoulder and pull him from his thoughts.

"Hey, you wanna sit at our table?"

James turned around and saw Mike staring back at him. Genuinely surprising him.

"I-I don't know...after all that happened yesterday.."

"You already said sorry about that. We can start off on a new foot this time."

"R-really?"

"Yeah. I'm Michael Wheeler. But you can call me Mike." He offered his hand.

James looked down at his hand and smiled. Happily shaking it. "I'm James. James Willard."

"Nice to meet you, James."

"Likewise."

Mike started bringing him back to the table. "C'mon, I'm sure everyone else is gonna wanna meet the real you."

James could feel some butterflies enter his stomach from this, but only because he was finally being involved in a group for once. He'd never had this many friends, let alone one, to talk to.

"Guys I think we should add him to the group. He's a new kid just like Max was, and personally I think he'd be a great addition."

Mike was met with neutral looks from everyone, mostly since they weren't too sure on how to react to a new member given what had happened yesterday but they were willing to try it. El however wasn't too keen on welcoming James to the group.

"James, this is Lucas and Dustin." Mike gestured to the two boys respectfully and they waved back to James.

"That's Will, and that's Max." Mike said allowing them to greet James back.

Then there was one left. The one that wasn't very happy about this new addition at the slightest.

"And this is El." Mike said with a smile.

El silently glanced at Mike and then James before moving her attention back to her plate.

"I think she still hates me." James whispered.

"She'll come around. Everyone, this is James!"

They all collectively greeted him by name this time. Making a smile appear on his face.

"Welcome to The Party, James!" Mike greeted, gesturing to an open seat that was next to him and on the opposite side of El's seat next to Mike.

James happily sat down, finally making friends in this new town and in general. He couldn't believe how this group of kids his age trusted him so much. Allowing him to go back home the night before knowing their secret, and now letting him into their group. He knew now why Mike had kept staring at him previously. Mike had been in his shoes before as the new kid with no one to talk to. He understood how lonely school can be, and remembering how happy he was when Will became his first friend he knew he had to make sure the next new kid wouldn't go through that.

"So, James," Dustin spoke grabbing the boys attention. "When it comes to being apart of The Party everyone in it needs to know everything about what happened two years ago. How we met El, and why things are so weird around here."

"Wait t-there's more? To all the crazy things that happen?"

"Hell yes. A lot more. We haven't even told you about the Demodogs yet."

"Demodogs?" James's brow furrowed from uttering the unfamiliar and terrifying word.

Dustin nodded. "Viscous little creatures that mauled anything in sight!"

Max kicked Dustin's foot underneath the table trying to grab his attention.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"Really? You're gonna tell him everything?" Max asked.

"Well if he's gonna be part of The Party then he should know!" Dustin defended.

"But now? Right now with all these other kids around us?"

Dustin looked around at the countless other students at the other tables. Minding their own business and talking with their friends.

"They aren't listening."

Max rolled her eyes. "If you really wanna tell him because you think it's super important then fine. Just keep it down so no one else hears you."

Dustin switched his gaze back to James. "Ok, so this all started when Will went missing."

James ate his food and watched Dustin start breaking down the story, it was entertaining like watching a movie. Dustin went over everything that happened. From the moment when Will went missing to El closing the gate to the Upside Down. James took all the information in and tried his best to digest it. Finding some of it a bit hard to believe.

"Wait how'd you meet El?" James asked.

"Oh right I kinda skipped over that. We found her one rainy night while looking for Will. She was super scared and had nowhere to go so we brought her to Mike's house. That's when we first started getting to know her."

James nodded. Replaying the story over and over inside his head.

"That sounds really crazy. I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda hard to follow."

"Trust me." Max interrupted. "I was just as skeptical as you when Lucas told me, a bit more skeptical actually. But then I saw everything, starting with those damn Demodogs."

"And that's not even mentioning El's powers." Lucas added silently.

James leaned closer to Dustin looking to ask only him something. "So...if El has these powers how did she get them? Where did she come from?" He whispered.

Dustin glanced at El before meeting James's curious eyes again. "I don't think she would want me to tell you. She doesn't really trust you yet."

James sighed and looked down Unenthusiastically. "I'll bet."

"She's gotta get used to you I guess. She still has to cool off from yesterday."

James had no doubt about that. She was the angriest out of the whole group that day, even after the whole ordeal had ended. He'd be lucky enough for to even think about forgiving him, let alone actually accept his new membership in The Party. He was just going to have to accept the consequences to his actions.

The bell suddenly rang, ending their lunch period. James stood up almost instantly after hearing it.

"Well I guess I'll see you guys later."

"Wait where are you going?" Will asked.

James stopped in his tracks and faced the group a little confused. "To class?"

"Don't we all have the same class next period?" Mike asked.

James shrugged. "I think so?"

"Then let us walk with you. We're all going to the same place."

James watched everyone throw their food away, afterwards starting to walk to their class.

"You have friends now, you're not gonna walk alone anymore." Mike said. "Just walk with us."

James was shocked. He wasn't used to being included in anything ever. This was all a new experience for him but an exciting one nonetheless. A smile started to grow on his face before he caught up with The Party and walked with them to their next class.

School had ended rather quickly after their lunch period. The whole Party was beginning to leave the school and head to their bikes. Will noticed James starting to head a separate way by himself.

"Hey James!" He called grabbing his attention. "We're gonna hang out for a while at the arcade, wanna come with?"

"Oh, uh I don't know if I should go with you guys."

"Why not?" Will asked.

James shrugged. "I dunno, I feel like I could ruin the experience cause I'm new."

"What? Will asked almost laughing. "That's ridiculous, it'll be exciting because you're new! Trust me it'll be fun."

James chuckled to himself. He felt like he was being treated like a child, but in a good way. In a way being taught what it was truly like to have friends who wouldn't desert you. Even though he had just joined their group that day, he felt like he'd been in it for years already. Though, it was still going to take some getting used to.

"Alright fine."

Will smiled and walked with him to the bike racks.

"Ok guys," Dustin spoke. "We gotta remember to not spend all of our money on the games this time. Take things a little bit slower. Not to mention to-" He suddenly paused, clutching his stomach. Alerting everyone.

"Dustin, you okay?" Lucas asked putting a hand on Dustin's back.

Dustin was about to reassure everyone that he was fine, but a powerful force overcame his abdomen, he doubled over and ended up vomiting clear fluid. Some of The Party tried to look away since it wasn't a very pretty sight. Lucas himself found it hard to not turn away and not watch, but he stayed there and rubbed his friends back while plugging his nose. Thankfully the fit didn't last very long, ending in only a few seconds. Mike handed Dustin some napkins that he had grabbed earlier from lunch to wipe his face.

"Thanks." Dustin uttered using them and trying to catch his breath.

"Is he ok?" James asked looking at Dustin concerned.

"Yea, I think he just got a little sick from his lunch earlier. Must've been old bread he used or expired mayo." Will simplified. "Guys, let's bring him back to the school and get him some water."

Lucas, and Mike helped Dustin up and into the school while everyone followed.

But something small was in the fluid that came out of Dustin. It squirmed for a few seconds before starting to slither off in the grass away from the school.

Classic cliffhanger to end the chapter. I hope you guys see that James isn't a bad kid like how he was in the first chapter, he was just in a bad place, mentally. The Party is starting to see some good in his after his apology in this chapter, everyone except El...she's not so big on second chances. You guys also saw a character outside of The Party finally in this chapter, the other great characters will start to show up too so don't worry I just haven't got around to showing them yet. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Feel free to Review and let me know your thoughts on it! Follow and Favorite to stay posted on future chapter uploads and to read more! See ya in the next one!