This is going to be a hard one. I honestly didn't wan to write this. But it wouldn't let me go. My mother died from cancer in 2018. My step dad died of a heart attack the next year. In many ways, my mom was way to young. I mean, fucking hell i was 33 when she died. She was 54 when she died. It hurt. I was self destructive. I guess eventually i realized at the end they both celebrated life. This is a story about life, and what it means for those who have very little time.
Chapter 1- The dying
Mike Wheeler was having a bad day. First thing he fell out of bed and had very little energy to get up. His mother doted on him as she helped him up out of bed. His father just ignored him. While brushing his hair, some more of it came out in a large chunk. Mike was happy he could wear a hat to school and nobody should hassle him.
Mike wanted to ride his bike to school but found he could barely lift it. He had to embarrassingly call Lucas. His friend happily came over and helped him get into the car. Mike didn't want Lucas to give him pity, but it was hard not to considering Mike's health state. "You feel up for a breakfast burrito?" Lucas asked. Mike shook his head, he never had much of an appetite, plus he was on a strict diet. "I'm guessing you don't sleep much?" Lucas asked. Mike merely nodded.
"Look, I'm sorry. I just have been having a hard time adjusting. And with Will mad that he saw me talking to Troy…" Mike said. Lucas interrupted him. "Why are you talking with that mouth breather?" Luas asked, shocked. Mike lowered his head. "It hurts. A lot. I need something to take the edge off." Mike said. Lucas merely nodded. "I'll smooth it with Will. Do you need anything to pay him?" Lucas asked. Mike shook his head.
They arrived at school, with Lucas helping Mike out of the car. Mike still had strength to walk. Lucas still stood by him as he walked. Despite his strength to walk, Mike was still clumsy and he tripped and fell over. Lucas quickly moved to help him but Mike stopped him. He was standing on his own damnit.
As he made his way up, a figure came by and offered a hand. Mike looked and was stunned. It was his ex, El Hopper.
They met in middle school, she came his 7th grade year when Chief Hopper brought her to town after her mother's death. They were instantly smitten with each other. The 8th grade Snowball, they got together. But the Summer of 1985, Mike's arrogance got the better of him. His constant disrespect of Chief Hopper led to the giant man to make him spend less time with his daughter. One lie led to another and El dumped him in front of Starcourt. Lucas was also there, dumped by his own girlfriend, the fiery Max Mayfield.
Mike thought things couldn't get worse, then he collapsed in his basement while playing Dungeons and Dragons. What a way to find out you have cancer.
Mike never spoke to El after she dumped him. He didn't want her pity and he had his own issues to get through. Also she then began seeing Eric "The Streak" Kline, Mayor Kline's popular football playing son. And someone who treats Mike and his friends like shit.
Mike took the hand, shocked she even stopped to help. "Still clumsy?" She ssked. Mike thought he was hearing an angel, or he probably was hearing one considering how long he had left.
She had shoulder length brown hair, wearing a designer shirt and pants. Max was not far off wearing her green flannel and her hair in a pony tail. Max long stopped skateboarding in favor of motocross. More dangerous for her. Last time Mike saw her, she was glaring at him. Now her expression was softened. Mike was paler and much skinnier than normal.
"Yea, I still have two left feet." Mike said with a slight laugh. She smiled at him. "Well, it's nice seeing you." She said. "Likewise," Mike replied. "Hey El, we need to go." Max said. There wasn't any hate in her voice, just urgency. "Okay, don't be a stranger Mike." El said. Max looked to Lucas. "See you round, Stalker." Max said. Mike looked at him confused.
As the girls left, Mike was still wondering about Max's tone with Lucas. "Yea, okay I'll confess. I have been seeing Max. I didn't want to upset you." Lucas said. Mike nodded. Some days his temper got the better of him. "Does she make you happy?" He asked. Lucas merely nodded. "Yea she does. But don't worry. I never told her your secret." Lucas explained. Mike swore the entire party, plus Nancy, Jonathan and Steve into secrecy. His main reason was he already got looks of pity from his family, or contempt from his dad. He didn't want the school to know he was sick.
Mike made his way to the A/V Room before class started. He was fortunate to find Dustin and Will in there. Will didn't look at him. Dustin however greeted him. "Hey Mikey, you up for an arcade trip today?' Dustin asked. Mike shook his head. "I would love to, but I got chemo today after school. And Dad will be taking me." Mike said. Lucas and Dustin cringed. Will still kept looking away from him.
"Well, if they would just let me take you to your doctor's appointments, your dad wouldn't be such a jerk." Lucas said. Currently, he was the only one with a car. They would call Steve if Lucas was working, but Mike hated inconveniencing people.
"Well, Principal Garcia wants us to see if we can fix the microphone for the morning announcements. I got a start on it but you wanna take a look at it?" Dustin said handing the microphone to Mike. He took it and looked at the circuitry. "Well, his first problem is asking students to fix his shit." Mike said. They all laughed, even Will. "His second problem is he thinks we have the tools to fix the relays on this thing." Mike said pointing at the burnt machinery. "And finally, I don't have the energy to fix Mr. Garcia's shit." Mike said as he stood up and headed for the door.
"Tell Troy we said hi." Will snarked. Mike turned and glared. "You know what, I fucking will." Mike said and he slammed the door behind him.
"Will, what the fuck?" Lucas asked. Will glared. "He is hanging out with the guy who beat him up through school. The same Troy who beat us all up first day of school all the time. Mike may have cancer, but he can't forget that." Will said.
"He's hurting man. I think he is scoring weed from Troy." Lucas said. Will was taken aback and looked down in shame. "Fuck. I didn't think of that." Will said, angry. "Hey, it's all good. Just tell him your sorry at lunch." Dustin said. Will nodded and he grabbed some tools to try and jury rig the microphone to work in thirty minutes.
It took Mike a few minutes to find Troy and James. Both were set up near an unused boys restroom. It was perfect to smoke weed. "Hey Mikey, your just in time." Troy said. Mike smiled at the other boy. "How bad you feeling right now?" Troy asked with concern. Mike merely shrugged. "It's not even eight and I already feel like shit." Mike said. Troy nodded. "You have chemo today?" James asked. Both boys also knew his medical schedule, it made no sense but it was nice they cared. Mike nodded as Troy led him into the bathroom.
Sophmore year was when Mike was given worse news, it was spreading from his bones to his blood. The chemo was slowing it down but odds were, Mike would not live to see graduation. His mother cried, his father gave up. Nancy left and moved with Jonathan. Holly just didn't understand.
Mike was walking around aimlessly after school when he felt sick and collapsed. Mike woke up to Troy and James making sure he was okay. "Fucking hell Wheeler, you look like shit. It's like your dying or something." Troy had said. Mike nodded. "I am dying." He simply said.
And that was how he started scoring drugs from Troy. Mike often wondered what changed. He had no qualms making fun of Will when he went missing for a few days. Turns out he was hit by a car and was delirious.
James kept lookout while Mike and Troy went inside. Troy pulled out a joint and handed it to him. Mike took out his lighter and lit the joint. Relief passed through him as he felt most of the pain fade away. He felt he could just die right now. Troy was also smoking, but more for recreational use. "Your friends still mad?" Troy asked. Mike shrugged. "Will is mad because he saw us joking the other day, but I think Lucas and Dustin know what's going on." Mike said taking another hit. Troy nodded.
"Well, I could smooth it over. Will is a good guy and hell you don't need that kind of bullshit right now." Troy said. Mike shrugged. "I'll handle it. He is having a hard time understanding it. I think he believes I'll get better eventually." Mike said. Troy winced. Even he could tell Mike might not make it the end of the year. Troy never told Mike but he cried when he realized Mike might not make Senior year. He grew lose to Mike over the past couple years.
"Well, don't seem to stoned in class. I put some extra joints in your backpack and snuck some in your locker. No use being in pain at home." Troy said. Mike nodded, grateful for the extras. "Yea, thanks man." Mike said and Troy led him out.
As he left, Max was outside, talking to James. "So you can work on my boke this weekend?" She asked. James nodded. "Yea, just bring it by my dad's garage." James said. Max saw Mike leave the bathroom, his eyes were red and he seemed more relaxed. "Wow, this is a new look for you." Max teased. Mike groaned in irritation.
"Look, can you not tell anyone, please?" Mike pleaded. Max snorted. "Not my business to tell your business, Wheeler." Max said. Mike nodded and walked off. "Hey wait up." Max called. Mike groaned again as Max caught up to him.
"You seriously okay? I know its been a few years but you look like shit." Max said. Mike nodded. "I'm fine, just sick. Troy helps me out." Mike explained. He wasn't going to fully lie to her, but he wasn't going to tell her anything. He long gave up being mad at her over his break up with El.
"Well, that hat looks nice on you." Max said. Mike nodded. "Look, Lucas told me about you two. I don't care. As long as you are happy." Mike said. Max huffed a little. "I don't need your permission." Max said. "I'm not doing that, I just want you to know I'm glad you two care still." Mike said.
"How long have you two been going out in secret?" Mike asked. Max thought about it. "Lucas found me kind of on the streets. Neil kicked me out and Billy was living in another town." Max explained. "I stayed with him and his family and I guess things got better with us." Max explained. "You know, El does miss you. How come you never talk to her?" Max asked. Mike snorted. "I would love to, but I think golden boy might have a problem with that." Mike said. Max nodded. "Yea, I fucking hate him to." Max said. This surprised Mike as usually they all hung out. "I thought you were friends." Mike said.
"I put up with his ass because of El, I have to hear about him and the connections his dad gives him or how often he stares at my tits, I will fucking murder him." Max said. Mike laughed. "Yea, fuck that guy." Mike said and the pair laughed as Mike got to his first class. "Look, you take care of yourself Mike." Max said. Mike nodded. "You as well. Don't crash your bike." Mike said. Max responded with "Not to much." And they laughed as Mike entered the class room.
Lunch was a strenuous affair. The only good thing so far was Will looking embarrassed as he apologized for being a jerk. "It's just hard thinking how sick you are." Will said. Mike understood and they ate their lunch.
Mike started feeling terrible, he was in more pain than normal. Will noticed and helped him get to the bathroom. They would have gone to the A/V Room but Mike didn't feel he could make it that far. Will kept lookout as Mike smoked a joint to relieve the pain. As they walked out, a large brown haired boy called out to them.
"Hey Wheeley and the pixie." Eric Kline called to them. Both groaned. How El puts up with this asshole is anyone's guess. Both turned around and found Eric and his squad walking towards them. "You ta regular burnout huh Wheeley?" Eric mocked. Mike never cared about his social reputation but he tried to keep his condition secret. "What's it to you Kline?" Mike said. Eric smiled at him.
"Well, its just I see why your still a loser." Eric said. Some of the peanut crowd was laughing. Mike had no time or care for this. He began walking away when Joey Ford, another football player, blocked his way. "I'm not done talking to you." Eric said. He reached for Mike's hat, but Mike shoved him back. It was a weak attempt.
"You are pathetic Wheeley." Kline said and punched Mike in the stomach. Mike doubled over. As Will tried to help his friend, he was thrown to the side.
Eric grabbed his hat and pulled it off, revealing lots of bald spots in his head, his hair was thin from the chemo. Mike looked embarrassed. "Hey look, Wheeley doesn't know how to cut his hair." Eric said while laughing. The others joined as Mike covered his hands with his face. He was hurting and now he was the center of ridicule.
As Eric laughed, Troy pushed his way in and punched Eric in the face. "Why don't you leave him alone!" Troy shouted. Blood came out of Eric's lip, he wiped it away and laughed. "You got balls Walsh. You helping your little boyfriend here?" Eric mocked. Troy didn't respond, he just punched him again. Mike began crawling away, when he was lifted up and slammed onto a table by another boy. Mike coughed up blood. He was having a hard time breathing.
Mike was waiting for another blow from the football players, but none came, Mike looked and saw El, glaring fiercly at the other boy and making him back off. "You fucking assholes." El said. Mike remembered she didn't curse this much. El turned around and her face softened upon seeing him. "Oh my god, are you okay?" El asked. "Just peachy." Mike groaned out as El helped him up.
The fighting continued until Jake Blackwood stepped in and separated Troy and Eric. Jake was the football team captain, and he commanded more respect than Eric. He also wasn't a giant asshole, so he was respected by more people.
"Everything cool boys?" he said, his voice fierce and angry. Eric backed off while Troy went to Mike to see if he was okay. "Sorry man, you okay?" Troy asked. Mike shook his head as he cleaned the blood from his mouth. El was looking at him with concern. "I need to go. I don't feel so good." Mike said, and he collapsed on the floor.
Mike woke up in the hospital a few hours later. His mother and younger sister by his side. "Michael, your awake." Karen said as she noticed his eyes open. She delivered a hug that Mike was grateful for. His father though, he was not pleased.
"FIGHTING AT SCHOOL?" He yelled. Ted's glasses came off as he yelled, shocking Karen and Holly. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?" He demanded. "To be fair, I didn't start it." Mike said. Ted was not amused. "Don't get smart with me Michael. You nearly gave your mother a heart attack." Ted said.
"I guess you still don't fucking care?" Mike asked. Ted pointed at him. "Language. And I am worried about the damn hospital bill. Your already expensive." Ted said.
"There is no need to worry about that." Came a voice from the hallway. Larry Kline walked into the room. Mike never liked the man, mostly because he was friends with his dad. "MY son got a little rough with little Wheeler here and didn't know about his condition. The bill is taken care of." Larry said. That was code for "please don't sue." And Mike heard it loud and clear. Ted shook Larry's hand and thanked him.
Chief Hopper then entered the room. He was still large and intimidating. Mike hadn't spoken to him in years, but always caught sight of him out on the town. Mike still felt awful about how things were between them. He wished he wasn't such a jerk.
"Okay, nurse said you are awake. I need a statement." Hopper said to Mike rather tersely. Mike took a breath. "I was rough housing with Eric, things got out of hand. I passed out." Mike said flatly. He hated lying, but in truth his father ranted about finances. Hopper was not happy with what he said.
"You sure that's what happened?" Hopper demanded. Larry got in front of Hopper. "Jim, that's what the boys said happened, and we will leave it at that." Larry said. This was another hidden message. "Back off or you lose your job."
Hopper growled and walked out, fuming. He hated how that delinquent kept getting away with things. And once he thought Mike was the bad one.
Larry bid everyone goodbye and left. "Well, we can all stay while Mike goes through chemo." Karen said. Ted gave her a look. "No, you take Holly home, I can stay with Mike." Ted said. Mike wanted to protest, but Ted gave him a look that said shut up.
"Okay, we will see you tonight Michael." Karen said kissing her son. Holly gave him a light hug. "See you later Mikey." Holly said. Mike smiled at her.
Max hated waiting on Billy to get done with work. But since she crashed with him often, she had no choice. El walked up to her, her face fuming. Her eyes streaked with tears. "Fuck all this." El said. She was holding Mike's hat that Eric took from him. "Did you know he was sick?" El asked. Max shook her head. "He said he wasn't feeling well and Troy was giving him weed, but I didn't know how bad." Max said.
Billy came out of the shop, exhausted and covered in grease. He worked as an auto mechanic. It was good money, and he could support himself and Max. Neil and Susan occasionally threw her out for weeks at a time, so Billy took her in. Once upon a time they were hostile to each other, but time fixes all things.
"Who shit in your cereal?" Billy asked. El held up the hat. "I found out my ex is dying." El said sadly. Billy looked surprised. "You didn't know?" He asked. Both Max and El were surprised. "You did?" Max asked.
"Yea, Karen told me." Billy said. Both looked at him surprised. "She needed someone to talk to. I was around." Billy said. Max rolled her eyes. "Did you sleep with her?" Max asked. Billy shook his head.
"She needed to talk, that's it. Still wouldn't say no to that though." Billy said. "Well, can you take us to the hospital, I want to return this." El said. Billy nodded. He liked El, she was a good kid. Her dad though, he was a scary hard ass.
The drive was quiet, only Billy's music playing as they made there way to the hospital. El saw Ted's car was still parked.
Heading to the receptionist, they found Mike was in oncology, the third floor. Max stayed behind so Billy took El upstairs.
Mike was laying in a bed, his dad sitting by him, reading a newspaper. El held back tears upon seeing him. Mike looked over and saw them. "Hey El." Mike said weakly. He had a machine hooked up to him. El cautiously walked in, scared. "It's okay, im not contagious. At least I hope not." Mike said. Ted grunted and got up and left.
Billy followed him to give them privacy. El walked up and pulled out the hat. "I took this from Eric. I am so sorry he hurt you." El said. Mike shrugged. "Pains an old friend now." Mike said. El walked up to him and put his hat on his head.
"Why didn't you say something?" El asked. Mike thought about it. "I was diagnosed the day after we broke up. I figured you didn't want to see me. I also had a few issues to work through." Mike said. El grabbed his hand, sad. "I'm sorry Mike." El said. Mike looked at her. "It's not your fault. I was an arrogant dick. I kinda deserved to be dumped." Mike said. "Just wish I didn't have to die." Mike said.
"How long?" El asked. Mike shrugged. "Dr. Brenner said last year. Dr. Owens said I could live a long time with treatment. Dr. Frasier said don't count on graduating." Mike said. "I'm so sorry." El said. He was so young, and he was ready to die.
"It's okay El. I had a good tun." Mike said. El put her hand on his ear. "We'll talk okay?" El said. Mike nodded as El lowered herself and kissed his cheek. Mike smiled as she left.
Outside, Billy and Ted were standing across from each other. Both glaring at each other.
"So, you still do lifeguard work?" Ted asked, remembering how his wife fawned over him every summer. "Not enough time. Had to work for a living." Billy said. Karen had explained how Ted largely ignored her and her son. How anyone could do that with a beautiful woman and a sick child was anyone's guess.
"Well, that's good. Young people don't understand hard work nowadays. My daughter Nancy just left with that Byers boy and never looked back. I think they are unemployed." Ted said, disdain in his voice.
"I saw she was working at the paper. But I guess you have your hands full." Billy sneered. Ted hated this kid's tone. "What are you implying?" Ted said. "I imply nothing, just you are working to make sure your son is comfortable before he dies. I mean, I kinda wish my old man cared like that." Billy said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You can mind your own business. You don't know what kind of burden that boy is!" Ted said hotly. Billy snorted. "Yea, he must be so much of a burden, with his cancer and him dying. You can go to hell Ted." Billy said as he walked off.
El walked out a moment later. Ted sneered at her. "You can just not come back." Ted said. El glared at him. "You don't deserve a son like Mike. You can piss off." El said as she joined Billy in the elevator.
When Mike was done, Ted drove him home. It began storming really bad as Ted slowly drive through the storm. "Mike, we need to talk." Ted said. Mike looked up, still dazed from the chemo. "You are making your mother sad." Ted said. "Nancy left because she couldn't handle how sick you are. You are a drain on our finances. I hope you appreciate what we sacrifice for you." Ted said.
Mike felt bad. He didn't ask to get cancer, but he could easily see how his dad was right. "I'm sorry dad. I do appreciate everything you do." Mike said weakly.
"Then you know what to do." Ted said as he pulled up by Holland Bridge. It was named for Nancy's friend Barb, who died from a car accident years ago. "I'll tell your mother you ran away while I was in the bathroom." Ted said. Mike was stunned. His dad was actually telling him to do this. He looked at how serious his dad was. "Okay, no use putting off the inevitable." Mike said as he stepped out. Heavy rain poured on him as Mike headed for the edge. He barely noticed his Dad driving off.
Mike got to the edge and looked down, the water rushing rapidly. It was pitch dark outside. Nobody would see him. Mike took a deep breath and prepared himself.
A car stopped and massive headlights illuminated him. Mike looked and saw a figure exit. "Kid, what the hell are you doing?" The voice said. Mike didn't register the other person, he just jumped into the water below.
AN: Hell of a cliffhanger huh? Tell me what you think. I look forward to feedback.