Will has powers. El knows this.
The Byers's moved two hours away from Hawkins to Indianapolis, taking El with them. They moved into a beautiful two story, four bedroom home. Much bigger than their old home. Than the cabin. El's room was bigger than she could have ever imagined. Everything was bigger than before. Her room, the bathroom, the kitchen, where a giant island sat in the middle of the room, ovens built into the walls. The house. Everything outside seemed larger than life in comparison to the little town of Hawkins. Everything was different. There were more buildings and parks than she's ever seen. And her school was much bigger than Hawkins High. The City was a different place for her with people and things being much busier; louder. It was all a little too overwhelming for such a small, quiet person such as herself.
Before the move there was worry of money and jobs. That was when Joyce revealed the real reason for their tight budget before the lab. Despite she and Jonathan working low paying jobs, and needing to be there for Will, she still found the time and money (saved throughout the years), to go to school. Prior to her decision to move, she was going to become a nurse in Hawkins General's emergency room. Now she's planned to transfer to the emergency room in the hospital close to their new home. The news of moving was already too much for them, but to find out she kept such a big secret caused grave stress, and wonder of what else she may be hiding. Jonathan was most upset. Upset that she didn't tell him. Upset that she put so much pressure on her self for so long. Upset that he could've stepped up more, but didn't. El and Will stayed silent. Both of them confused, angry and saddened all at once.
Upon arriving in Indianapolis, Joyce and Jonathan had a plan. Joyce would work morning shift at the hospital, Jonathan would go to community college, doing freelance photography between school and home life, and El and Will, go to school together. When the school year began, El had taken multiple tests to see where she stood academically. Fortunately for her, thanks to her father and friends, she wasn't too far behind. However she would need a few weeks of after school tutoring, which Jonathan offered to help her out with, volunteering Will's time as well, though he didn't respond. Everything seemed to be going ok for them. Everything went as planned. Work, school, family. Will and El were immediately branded as twins the moment they stepped foot on school property. And though they never communicated, they stuck together, having the same classes. Everything seemed be going ok.
It had been two and a half, nearly three months since they moved. Thanksgiving came and went. She got to see Mike again. And Christmas was her first, pretty amazing, albeit a little sad without him. Joyce and Jonathan had gone out of their way to buy her as much as possible. Clothes, games, school supplies, things for her new room, a phone, you name it. They treat her like their own. Everything the two of them did made her feel welcomed and part of the family. And Will? Well, Will doesn't talk to her.
Joyce treats her like she birthed her. Comforts her, yells, shares fun stories from her past, just as she does with the boys. El's even taken up on calling her 'mama'. And no matter where they go, or what they do, Jonathan always lets it be known that she's his little sister. There are moments when El feels she's never felt more at home. But the feeling never lasts; always being replaced with guilt and betrayal. He meant the world to her, and she felt as though it was a slap in the face if she ever liked her new home better than the cabin. But it definitely beats being out on her own. She loves having people who care and will be there for her, let alone a mother and brother. And Will? Well, Will doesn't talk to her.
They never spent time together when they lived in Hawkins. And the only interaction they've had was three years ago, when Will was in the Upside Down.
El thinks he doesn't like her, though Jon was sure to get that thought of her head. "Just give him a bit more time, everything's still changing at a really fast pace." He had said. And El listened. But she couldn't help feeling the remains of it lingering in the back of her mind. She thought about trying to talk to him. But any time seemed to be a wrong time. He was either sad or angry, but always quiet. He always wore a sad look, El noted. It made her feel down, every now and then.
Being referred to as twins immediately upon arrival, they quickly found themselves being dragged into a friend group made solely of all the twins in the school. They always sat together; El and Will. Close. Quiet. The others ask. Ask why they never split up while outside of class. Why they never talk to each other; but those of them in the group. El laughs, making the same lame joke every time. "Don't all twins have a telepathic bond? Or is just us?" She says, gesturing her hand between herself and Will. "We don't need to speak out loud!" They all laugh, missing the sad look Will gives her each time. It's like the more she makes the joke, the bigger those hazel eyes get. The more she sees just how hurt he is. Broken. Quiet.
El feels a pull looking into those eyes. Like he was trying to speak to her. Trying to reach out. She felt hopeful for a moment. At the possibility of him speaking to her. That hope suddenly faded into foolishness. Even if he did want to speak to her, she didn't have her powers, let alone the ability to communicate one on one with someone telepathically, without going into the void.
Yet his eyes pleaded. Pleaded for her to hear him. Pleaded for her to understand. To be patient with him.
Her heart sunk as he turned back to his lunch, eyes glossy. El had a sudden feel of betrayal. She was now confused, but didn't have time to process it as the table began pulling the two of them back into conversation. They both fully turned their attention back on their friends, chatting away. And although Will spoke to them with a smile, as though nothing happened, El could tell he wasn't ok. Quiet yes, but different.
He wouldn't look at her for the rest of the day. She thought of trying to get his attention on the bus ride home, but didn't know what she'd even say if he gave her the time.
As soon as they got home, Will went to his room, closing the door behind him. The betrayal grew stronger, clashing with guilt. El felt a connection to Will. Felt as if their souls had collided, causing them to feel each other's emotions. She didn't like it. She didn't like feeling like she hurt his feeling's. So knowing for sure hurt more than it should've. After saying hello to a busy Mama, and asking if she needed any help with dinner, to which she got a small, "No, that's okay sweetie. Thanks for the offer though.", El ran up the stairs, ready to change into her pajamas, missing Mama ask how her day was. Once she changed she walked over to her desk, only to hear Will's muffled sobs coming quietly through her wall.
Guilt. Sadness. Anger. Betrayal.
She couldn't help it nor could she fight it. She's been trying to overcome it all day, but it's too powerful. El collapses on her bed, allowing herself to shed a few tears, tears that turn into quiet sobs. It becomes apparent to her in this moment, that these aren't her feelings. These aren't her tears.