Chapter 2 ~ Acceptance
Mike opened the door and his face lit up at the sight of Eleven and Max stood on his doorstep.
"The others are here already, come on down" and he lead them down to the basement where Dustin, Lucas and Will were sat. They were tucking into a large plate of sweets: Nougat for Dustin, Chocolate for Max and Lucas, Humbugs for Will and gummy fried Eggos for El and Mike. They all had letters in their hands, except Max who was pulling it out of her pocket. They were the same as the one El had received earlier that morning. She only had one word on her lips,
"Hogwarts?"
"Yes El! We have all been accepted to Hogwarts! We can go to school in England together, there will not be any bullies like Troy there!" the enthusiasm on Mike's face was exhilarating. El smiled in relief that she was not the only person in Hawkins with powers she would no longer be the weird outcast!
Lucas was grinning at Max,
"Shall we research the houses and guess which one we will be in?"
Max replied with a nod and they all hovered round the new computer in the basement. El hung back. Had all that pain with Dr Brenner been because she shared a magical gift with multiple people? Why was she put through so much pain? Why? Her brain blurred and heat boiled up inside her. Smash! The vase on the table broke. Mike turned round and saw the blood dripping from her nose. The others were still engrossed with the computer and the prospect of becoming wizards.
With his arm around her shoulder, Mike took El upstairs to ask her what was wrong. He had a fair idea about Dr Brenner, so when she told him he was not surprised.
"We don't have to go, you know"
"But I want you to go, not to be held back by me. Again"
"When have you ever held me back?"
"I thought I had you back every day, stopping you from doing things because you have to look after me. All the time."
" I only looked after you because I WANTED to"
"Mike! Is that true?"
He put his hand on her shoulder and looked deeply into her eyes.
" Remember El, friends don't lie!"
She smiled and kissed his cheek. She wanted to go to Hogwarts and now she could go with Mike! They could have powers together! And all their friends could come with them.
Max and El went back to Hopper's house where they packed for the following weekend, when they were to get a plane to England, preparing to go to Hogwarts!