December 25, 1984.
The Wheeler's house was getting ready for a lot of people that Christmas and Karen could not be more anxious.
During her nearly twenty-year marriage, christmas were all about her husband, children, and sometimes a few relatives who came to complain about her furniture and gossip about her life. After the disaster that occurred with her husband's sister and an extremely rude remark about the decoration of the Christmas tree six years ago, Karen prohibited Ted from inviting anyone. The date would belong to the couple and their children and end of story.
But, this year, she had made an exception. How could she not? She still remembered the brown eyes of her middle son chasing her through the house.
"But, mom, make an exception!" Cried Mike, putting his hands in prayer. "Please! It's just the boys, their parents, Seven and Sheriff Hopper and El. Not so many people! "
"Not so many people?!" Karen exclaimed as she folded some shirts she'd taken from the clothesline. "Michael, there are more than ten people and that's not counting your sister's boyfriend. You know that Christmas is a special date to spend with your family, not your friends. "
"Mommy, please," Mike whined, pouting. "What's the trouble of letting them spend Christmas with us? Just once! It's very important to me ... It's Eleven's first Christmas. "
It destroyed her. Christmas was about love and to thank what we had. And the poor little girl had never even seen a Christmas tree.
She left it and was a little worth it when Michael opened the biggest smile she had ever seen and hugged her tight, saying repeatedly, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!".
Now Karen stared at the countless gingerbread houses she had made, at least five more than she usually did. It was an exaggeration, she admitted, but Christmas was the time of year she allowed herself to squander when it came to cooking.
"It looks incredible, mom," said her daughter, Nancy, entering the kitchen. She gave her a kiss on the cheek and stared at the candy. "You've outdone yourself this year."
"I'm no longer used to cooking for so many people," Karen admitted. "But I think it's enough."
"That's enough for a month," Nancy laughed. "Steve's here! And Mike said Lucas called and said that he and his parents were already leaving home. "
Leaving the kitchen, Karen greeted Steve with a hug and watched as he and her daughter sat on the couch, cuddling into each other. Karen liked the teenager, he proved to be very kind and polite, unlike the image she had projected after discovering that he and her daughter had slept together. But there was something there that was strange to Karen and that became clearer when Jonathan came to fetch his younger brother. Nancy's head was far away in another world and she knew her daughter enough to know that everything was not all right.
Stirring in the stereo, Karen smiled as Frank Sinatra's voice reverberated through the house, singing "Let It Snow." The tree was on, so bright that everyone's eyes burned a little after staring at it for a long time. She thought of commenting that this huge amount of lights were a little overdone, but Mike seemed proud of his work that took almost a two days to complete (this with the help of his friends) that she remained silent.
"Eleven will love it!" Exclaimed her son, his cheeks a little red.
Oh, Michael. Karen did not know what to do with him anymore.
For twelve years it was easy to deal with her middle child. Mike was quiet, polite and never involved in trouble. He took high grades, won science fairs, was helpful and a big big brother to little Holly. To make him happy you just needed a basement space and an entire afternoon of games with his friends or tickets to movies full of special effects and space creatures.
After the incident last year, it was hard for Karen to understand what had happened to her little boy. He had turned from a smiling child to just the empty shell of what he was. Her boy had been traumatized, persecuted, hunted, and nearly killed by cruel men and creatures she still did not understand.
And there was the girl. A girl! Not in a million years would Karen suspect that this was the source of his problems. Of course, Mike was twelve to thirteen at the time, it would be normal to imagine that his mood swings would recur from the mess that was engaging the opposite sex. But her son was different. He and his friends did not care about girls, unless they were princesses and special generals like Princess Leia.
And it was not just a girl's presence, but a fact that Mike liked her. She was not just a friend. She was the reason why he lied to Karen for the first time so he could hide Eleven inside the basement. Sh was Mike's reason to be so restless in the last month whenever his friends showed up to play. She was the reason his cheeks flushed when he spoke on the phone with whom he claimed to be one of the boys (Karen always pretended to believe his lie). She was the reason the basement windows were opened and her son spent a great deal of time fixing the place. Cleaning up! Oh God, something she never believed she would see.
"Is everything ready?" Michael asked, entering the room, his restless hands rubbing against each other.
"For the thousandth time, Michael, there's nothing out of place," Karen said, moving closer to him and kissing his forehead. "She'll love it."
The doorbell rang and Mike ran, muttering, "I'll get it! I answer!". When he opened the door, however, he could not hide his disappointment at seeing that it was only Lucas and his parents.
"Wow, I'm happy to see you, too," Lucas mocked, pulling back his scarf.
"Sorry," Mike murmured. "Hello, mr. and mrs. Sinclair! Please, coming!".
They went in and greeted the rest of the family. Karen quickly and easily welcomed them, showing the house and leaving them at ease. Lucas said nothing, but his smile made it clear that he knew why Mike looked disappointed.
Not five minutes later the bell rang again. When opened the door, Mike rolled his eyes.
"Oh, hi Dustin," he said, leaving his friend and his parents in.
"Merry Christmas to you too," Dustin answered. "Sorry if I do not have powers and big brown eyes."
"Shut up," Mike murmured as Lucas laughed pleasantly.
In the kitchen, the mothers talked.
"Karen, you've outdone yourself this year!" Sinclair watched the gingerbread houses and smelled the roasted meat.
"Everything smells wonderful!" Said Dustin's mother, mrs. Henderson, smelled the air gently.
"Thank you," Karen smiled, her cheeks a little red. Her food was something she was proud of. "I was a bit lost this year, I'm not used to cooking for so many people."
"We figured that out, so we brought something to help you," replied Lucas's mother, handing her delicious chocolate cakes. "At Christmas a little more food is never enough."
"Amen," laughed Karen.
"Joyce is coming too, is not she?" asked mrs. Henderson. "I was so shocked when I heard she adopted a little girl! So unexpectedly! And it's not even a baby! The girl is already the age of the boys".
"Lauren Harrington told me about it!" exclamed mrs. Sinclair shaking her head. "I do not know how Joyce is so strong, single mother having to look after two boys and now another child!"
"I heard the girl is the daughter of a friend of Joyce's," Karen lied a little nervously. This was the story she combined with Joyce and Hopper. "It seems that this friend died a month ago and Joyce get the custody of the girl."
"Wow, I could not imagine!" Exclaimed Dustin's mother with her hand over her heart. "I admire her a lot! There are few people who would do that. "
"Oh yes," Karen agreed, shaking her head a little too strongly. "It turns out that the girl and the mother are from some European country, sorry, I can not remember which ... But she does not speak much of our language, so do not worry if she says little."
When the wine was opened, the conversation continued with more force.
"I heard that Joyce is dating Bob Newby," said Lucas's mother as if you were a state secret. Karen gasped.
"Bob Newby? The head of the radio station? " she asked.
"Wait, who? I do not recognize the name ... " asked mrs. Henderson.
"He studied with us in high school," Karen explained. "He was a little shy, from the same class as Joyce and Sheriff Hopper. He was a little nerdy, he always lived with his face in the books. "
"Oh my God! That Bob Newby?". The three women laughed, the alcohol making them feel like teenagers again. "Well, he's always been very nice. I do not remember him much, but it's always been really cool. I mean, nothing can be worse than Lonnie. "
The three women shuddered and frowned.
"I always found him a pig," admitted mrs. Sinclair. "I respected him because of Joyce, but I thank God every day that she kicked that rough man out of the house."
"Oh God, let's change the subject, please," Karen pleaded. "It's Christmas, I do not want to talk about this man."
"I agree. Oh, I almost forgot! Lucas said that Sheriff Hopper would come, is that true, Karen?" asked Lucas's mother.
"Oh," Karen said, turning a little red as she tried to remember the lie she had agreed with the sheriff. "His niece is in town. She was friends with Nancy, so we invited them. "
At that moment the doorbell rang and Mike ran. He tidied his hair discreetly before opening the door, but, as on the other two occasions, he was disappointed.
"Sorry, kid," Seven said when she saw his expression. "It's just us."
Hopper and Seven entered and greeted Lucas and Dustin. The womens left the kitchen and smiled.
"This is my niece, Selena," Hopper lied with a convincing smile. Seven gave a small nod and tried to smile, a little uncomfortable with all the glances that stared at her.
Nancy and Steve appeared at that hour, saving her.
"Selena!" Exclaimed Nancy, taking her hand and dragging Seven away from the curious eyes of the adults. "Come, I want to show you some ... uh ... things."
A little farther away and closer to the front door, the boys chatted.
"Will called me a long time ago saying they were coming," Mike said impatiently. "They should already be here!"
"Mike, relax," Dustin said, eating one of the sweets he'd stolen from the kitchen table. "Eleven is coming."
"Yeah, dude, eat something," Lucas suggested. "I know you're nervous, but everything is perfect. It will be the best Christmas of all! We have all the Christmas foods already invented, your mother has already put the Christmas classics to play, the tree is even too crazy for my taste, we are wearing these ridiculous reindeer sweaters ... ".
"I know, you're right. I need to calm down, "Mike said. He relaxed his back and arms, giving little bumps in place. "I'm relaxed, I'm relaxed. Did you see? Will be all right. There is no one else more calm-"
His words were cut short when the bell rang for the fourth time and Mike exclaimed, "Oh fuck!" before reaching for the doorknob. With a long breath, he opened the door.
"Merry Christmas!" Exclaimed the Byers family simultaneously. Mike's smile widened and he could not contain his laughter when he saw that Eleven had a little sale covering her eyes.
"El, what's going on?" He asked as he gently led the girl into the house with Jonathan's help.
"Surprise," she replied, her cheeks flushed with cold.
"She has never seen a Christmas tree before, so we blindfolded her. It's okay there, El- "Jonathan stopped talking when he realized that Lucas and Dustin's parents were in the room. "... eanor?"
"Has she ever seen a Christmas tree?" asked Lucas's mother suspiciously.
"They do not have Christmas on ..." her son began to say, asking for help from his friends with his eyes.
"Switzerland!" Dustin completed. "You know how it is ... it's very cold there."
"Hello, Eleanor! It's a pleasure to see you! "Karen said with a smile, trying to change the subject. Blindly, Eleven nodded to everyone present. Seven reappeared with Nancy and Steve.
"Okay, let's get on with it," Joyce said, leading the girl to face the big Christmas tree. "Are you ready, sweetheart? One, two and three!".
Joyce withdrew the blindfold, and the room fell silent. Eleven blinked a few times before actually opening her eyes, but when her vision fell on the tree, she gasped. It was simply the most beautiful thing she had ever seen! So tall, so bright and delicate. Every detail fascinated her, each glow brightening her smile.
"So ..." said Mike, approaching a little unsure. "Did you like it?".
When she looked at him, there were small tears in her eyes.
"It's so pretty," El murmured. Mike can finally be able to sigh with relief.
Wanting to give them both a moment alone, Dustin had an idea. Turning to the rest of the group, he exclaimed,
"And the food? Let's eat! " and took everyone out of the room, leading them into the kitchen.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Mike admitted shyly, looking down at his feet. "Me and the boys, we did it. We brought all the little lights that each of us had at home and well, Will has enough to light the whole city. "
They both laughed and Eleven gently took Mike's hand in hers.
"Thank you, Mike," she thanked the girl, turning to the tree. "Its special. So beautiful! The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. "
Looking at her from the corner of his eye, Mike nodded.
"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
-Oo-
As the Wheelers' table was not big enough for everyone, when the food was served, the guests spread through the house, all carrying plates and glasses and sitting in pairs or groups to talk.
Seven watched them all with heavy heart, trying hard to absorb that moment so calm, special and peaceful. There were very few moments like that in her life and this was one she was sure to treasure.
A smile appeared on her lips as she watched the children. God, she was going to miss them. Seven, thanks to everything that had happened, never became a very good person in the ability to enter. Adults underestimated her, people her age had only too much drama going on, things that seemed so insignificant compared to everything she'd already gone through that the girl could not even fake interest. But there was something about the children's company that did her good. She felt comfortable near them because they were easy to deal with. There was no drama or gossip and Seven became very protective when it came to Lucas, Dustin, Will, Mike and Eleven.
Yes, they would hurt the most when it was time to leave.
A small tug on her pantyhose made Seven look down. A little four-year-old girl smiled at her and lifted her arms, begging for a lap.
Oh no. No, no, no! Seven could handle thirteen-year-olds, but not babies! She spoke too much bad words to be around them.
Noticing her discomfort, Joyce came up with a smile and caught Holly in her lap.
"She does not bite," she teased. Holly grabbed Seven's curls with her little hands. "Come, my dear, let's play with mommy."
Grateful that the other one distracted the little girl, Seven smiled at Joyce. She liked her and could not be happier for the older being, now, the guardian of Eleven. It eased the overprotective feeling on Seven's chest a little. At least she would know that El would be in good hands.
Browsing the room, Seven dropped them on Jonathan who took pictures of the environment, the tree, Mike and Eleven, Nancy and Steve, little Holly and all the other people present. She smiled for a moment when she noticed that despite trying to disguise, Jonathan's focus was actually on Nancy and Steve. He looked a little depressed and Seven decided to save him.
"Can I talk to you?" She asked, approaching him. Jonathan smiled and before answering turned the lens to the girl and took a photo of her.
"Sure, come on," he said, sounding relieved that he had a reason to leave the room. The two walked away, up the stairs and into the hall. The noise from the conversations downstairs was still audible, but no more disturbing.
"So what do you want to talk about?"
"I'm leaving".
That made Jonathan paralyze for a few seconds. The camera he had pointed at her again lowered.
"What do you mean?" He asked. Seven had a sad expression on her face when she replied,
"Me and Hopper ... we go after the other labs. We have plans, Hopper has contacts in the media and in security agencies, we will try to save the other people being held prisoners. "
"Wow, that's ... fucking awesome, actually. But how long will you stay away? "
"I do not know, it all depends. We do not know where the other labs are, we do not know who is on their team and who can help us ... I think a year or two to start. "
"Two years?" Exclaimed Jonathan. "Seven, this is a long time!"
"I know, I know ... To stay away from you for so long will be a sad, especially without telephone, letters ...".
"No phone? Why?".
"Hopper found that the government hears all our conversations, he thinks it's too risky to call you while we're gone. Same thing with the letters. I'm so sorry".
Jonathan stood still for a moment, trying to process the bomb that had fallen on his lap.
"Anyone else know about that?" he asked.
"No," the girl admitted. "You were the only one I told about so far. I did not dare count the children."
"And when are you leaving?".
Seven was quiet for a long time, until she answered quietly,
"Probably in two days. Hopper wanted to be gone a long time, but I convinced him to wait until Christmas. "
"Two days?! Oh God, the children will be so sad! Will mainly, he has become very attached to you."
"And I to them. They are very important to me, but you understand, right? I need to do it, Jonathan. I know what it's like to be treated like I'm less than trash, being used all my life. There are nine other people out there, if my theory that Eleven is the last one is correct. "
"Hey, I get it," said Jonathan, putting his hands on Seven's shoulders. "I believe you deserve a moment of peace, but hey, what do I know? I'm by your side".
They hugged each other and only spoke again a few seconds later.
"But what are we going to do about ... You know. That thing, Tessa ... Tessa ... I do not know how to say that, "Jonathan asked.
"I've been thinking a lot about what you said when we saw the car. You spent a year believing that there were no more creatures, surely at some point you hurt and bleed and it did not come after you. But he chased me and I was on the other side of the country. I've thought a lot about it and I have a theory that maybe ... Maybe it has something to do with me. Maybe it's connected to me. "
"Are you sure about that? We do not even understand where these monsters came from, Seven. How can we make sense of them? "
"It's the best I can think of," she admitted. "And if I'm right, then I'd better get away from you, take the creature far away from you, Nancy and the children."
"There's one more thing," Jonathan said, pulling something off his coat. "I've revealed the photo you asked me to. It's a little foggy, but what the fuck is that? "
Seven took the picture and analyzed it. It was blurred, but it was possible to recognize the shape of the egg.
"Something I still want to find out."
At that moment, Dustin appeared hiding something in his back. He had a mischievous smile on his face, which quickly faded when he came face to face with the teenagers.
"Oh! Hi everyone," he said with a nervous laugh. "I was not expecting to find you here."
"What are you up to?" Seven asked without further ado. Dustin blushed a little.
"Up to? I did not-Oh fuck, okay! I had this idea- " he began, but was interrupted by Jonathan.
"Oh no! I will not be a part of your plans. My mom still mad at me over your brilliant idea of three years ago," said the older man, quickly exiting the hall and down the stairs.
"My idea was great!" Dustin defended himself shouting at Jonathan as he descended the stairs. "You were the one who run away"
Seven laughed and folded her arms. Dustin turned to her and with a little mischievous smile showed the girl what he held. When she saw the object, Seven laughed out loud.
"Oh, you evil creature!" she teased with a smile.
"Thank you, thank you," replied Dustin, making small references. "It's good that I found you. I need to put this somewhere, but I'm very short. You help me?".
Seven thought for a moment, wondering if that was a good idea. But, oh damn it! She was leaving, had no idea when she would see the children again. What had she got to lose?
"Sure, pass this over."
-Oo-
Mike knew Dustin was up to something when his friend grabbed him by the arm and started dragging him upstairs.
"Seriously, you need to see this! You will not believe".
He was sure when he came across an empty hallway and was pushed by Dustin to the door of his bedroom that his friend was certainly not as innocent as he looked.
"Dustin, what's going on?" He asked as his friend pinned him to the doorframe. In that moment Seven appeared, guiding Eleven by the shoulders. She positioned El in front of Mike and he noticed that his friend looked as confused as he. "What is it? You-".
When he looked up, the words died in his throat and he turned extremely red.
A small mistletoe was hanging on the doorframe and Mike felt the plant laughing at him as well as his friends.
"No! Dustin, you can not- ".
"It's tradition! You have to do it! It's tradition! " cried his friend, running away.
"Seven, is this serious?" Mike asked, feeling his hands sweat.
"Sorry," said the girl, not looking at all regretful. She also left, leaving them alone.
"I do not get it," Eleven said, looking at Mike and then at the plant on top of their heads. "What is it?".
"That ..." Mike said with an embarrassed sigh. "It's a mistletoe."
"Only one plant," said El. "What's the matter?"
"It's just ... It's not just a plant," Mike replied. Eleven noticed that his freckles became more visible as he grew redder and brighter. "There's this ... stupid Christmas tradition. If you stay under the mistletoe with other people you have to ... It's ... ".
"What?" Asked Eleven, growing more and more curious. Why was Mike getting so nervous? Was it hard to explain? Generally he would explain everything to her, he could always do it even if it was to difficult.
"... We have to kiss each other," Mike said in a single breath, closing his eyes. Eleven's mouth opened slightly and she exclaimed a slight, "Oh!". "I know, I'm sorry, Dustin must be finding this super funny, I did not know-"
"Why?" Eleven asked, more curious than embarrassed. She did not quite understand why Mike looked so embarrassed. They had kissed before. Eleven did not understand at the time what that meant, but a long conversation with Nancy and Seven - which brought flushed cheeks from Nancy and a fit of laughter from Seven - made her understand that putting her lips to the lips of another person means a number of very good things.
"It's a tradition, I'm not sure why. They say that when you do that you get lucky and that brings you happiness "explained Mike rubbing the back of his neck.
"So let's do it!" Eleven said with a smile. Mike was so shocked that he could only move his mouth, the words would not come out.
"A-Are you sure? I do not want you to do something you do not want ... ".
"We've kissed before," she argued.
"We did, didn't we?" Said Mike with a nervous laugh. He began to feel some sweat on his hands. "Well, if that's what you want... But if you change your mind, fine. I do not care, really. I know all this is very- ".
Eleven kissed him. It was no different from their first kiss in the cafeteria. It was simple, fast, innocent and a few seconds. But enough for Mike to blush so much that he felt his whole body warm and his own blood throb.
Eleven smiled up at him, her cheeks a little pink. She liked it at Christmas and certainly enjoyed the mistletoe.
On the stairs, hidden on the steps, Seven and Dustin clapped their hands.
Thank you everyone! The new fanfic it's coming in one or two days, so stay connected! Hope you guys enjoy the chapter (:
Kisses 3
