Chapter 9

Mike

Five days later

"That's it, Mike, now keep your chin up." Mike did not think he was cut out for this, but he was willing to give it a try. He stood with his legs apart just like he had been told, ready to take on the incoming. Crunch, the ball had been hit. It was hurtling towards him. Forgetting all that he had been told, Mike swung blindly. He missed, it went past him, hitting the fence. "Another ace," he thought to himself hanging his head.

He heard a triumphant cry, he looked across to the court next to him, seeing El panting, shouting with acclamation. An exhausted Kieron at the other side. Seeing her like this was such as privilege, so happy, so in the moment. "Mike!" A stern voice came. He turned to see Simon giving a tutting motion, "eyes on me ok." "Sorry Simon," Mike said and moved to get back into position. Simon could see his heart was not in it. "Why don't we take a break hey?" and moved off toward the bench. Mike followed.

"I'm sorry," Mike said collapsing with exhaustion, "I just don't think this is my thing." "Nonsense," Simon said "you're." He paused, "getting better." Mike laughed "at the rate I'm going, I might hit one of your serves back in, a month? But no." He glanced at El again, "I've only got a day left."

Simon gave a sympathetic smile, "there's no reason you can't keep practicing back in Hawkins." "Yeah maybe," Mike nodded "but I'm more of a D&D kind of guy, I'm not that sporty." "Neither was El when she arrived" Simon admitted "and now she's amazing." Mike nodded in agreement. He turned to look at Simon. "I'm glad," he said, "I'm so glad she has you."

Simon beamed, grateful for Mike's words. "Thanks Mike, that really means a lot, I'll try and keep her out of trouble." "Oh," Mike replied with a chuckle, "good luck with that I've never succeeded." Simon laughed. "Yeah," he said before turning to Mike with a serious expression, "I'll look out for her." Mike patted him on the shoulder, no words were necessary.

"Hey," a voice said, "how's my Boris Becker?" El was standing over them, face flushed, her Tennis gear glued to her body with sweat. "I," Mike began. "He's improving," Simon interrupted, "a few more lessons and he'll be more than a match for you El." El gave Mike a squint, "care to test that theory?" She asked him. "Nah," Mike said casually putting his arms, round the back of his head, "I don't want to hurt your pride." El jabbed him in the side, "you are so full of."

"Hey," Kieron said, walking up to them breathing heavily, "I'm knackered, does anyone fancy a drink in the café?"

"Yeah, sure" Simon said getting up, "that sounds good, if?" El, and Mike nodded their approval. He walked off with Kieron following, leaving them alone. "Did you have fun?" El asked sitting next to Mike. "Yeah, I think I'm getting the hang of it" he said cheerfully. But seeing El's suspicious expression, and their promise that they would have no more secrets between them. "No," he said forlornly, "I did have fun, honestly, but it's really hard, I'm really not getting it."

"That's alright," El said smoothly placing her hand in Mike's "it takes a long time to learn." She, bit her lip, "you don't have to play if you don't want to." Mike smiled gratefully, "thanks El," he said, "I don't know maybe I'll give it a try back at home." He squeezed her hand, "I'm just so glad I've got to share this with you."

El looked at him, a soft glow in her eyes. "Can," she ventured, "can I try something?" "Sure," Mike said curiously, "what is it?" "Well," El said sounding bashful, "Tennis you see, gives me a bit of rush, it feels like electricity running through my body." Mike nodded intrigued. "And the only other thing that compares is." She giggled. "Well, I've always wondered what it would be like to combine them together." Before, Mike knew what was happening, El had placed her hand on his back and drawn him into a passionate Kiss.

He kissed her back stroking her cheek, feeling the heat, and sweat radiating from her skin. He moved his face away. "So how was that?" He asked. "The best" El responded with the happiest Smile. "Cool, so what was that other thing you said that does not compare?" Mike asked innocently. El gave a huge laugh and buried her face in his shoulder, "you're a fiend Mike wheeler" she said muffled. Mike gave a hearty chuckle, "you know you love it." El, looked up giving him the most tender expression, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "We better get going" Mike said, "Simon and Kieron will be waiting." "Yeah, let's," El said contentedly. They both stood up and after gathering their equipment walked away from the court, though still somehow able to hold hands.

"I'm telling you Steffi Graf is the greatest female player at the moment," Kieron said with real feeling. "Hello!" said Simon gesticulating, "Billie Jean King will never be matched." "Now, now, gentlemen," El put her hands between them, "they are both good players, but we all know Martina is the greatest," more bickering ensued.

Mike had gone to the bathroom and returning had stood back to survey the scene. They reminded him of his friends, arguing over the best move to make in D&D or who was the greatest superhero. He found himself admitting, that if he had been able to see El like this before he had come, he might have felt different. But everything was different now, everything had changed, for the better.

Knowing he was unable to take an active part in the conversation he took a wonder around the leisure centre. Peeking into the gym he wondered which equipment El used? Which was her favourite? Making a mental note to ask her.

Next door to it was a small shop, it sold the usual equipment, Tennis balls, Rackets, but there was a small section dedicated to miscellaneous stuff. Like pens with the leisure centres logo printed on the front. He half considered buying one, but then he saw the posters.

There was a whole stack of them. Taking a look behind him, Mike leafed through, finding the one he wanted. He paid for it at the counter and left. He then approached a pay phone on the wall and dialled. "Hello?" A voice answered. "Hey Will," Mike said. "Oh, hey Mike, so how did it go today, are you, number one in the world yet?" Mike laughed but kept his voice low, "yeah well, I'll tell you about it later, but I, could do with a favour from you." "A favour?" Will enquired. "Yeah," Mike said, "and I promise I'll pay for the gas."

After quite a long while Mike arrived back in the café, the three were still debating a Tennis topic. "Oh, hey Mike," Simon said with a start, "I didn't realise you were gone, no, sorry I didn't mean it like that." El and Kieron laughed at his awkwardness, so did Mike. "Its" fine Mike said squeezing in next to El placing his hand on her leg, "I've just been having a wonder." "Must have been a long wonder," El said glancing at the clock "it's 17:00." "Yeah," Mike said, "just been taking in this place, there is a lot going on." "Sure is," Simon said. He glanced at them, "do you guys need a lift home?" El turned to Mike unsure of what he would want to do. "Sure," Mike said brightly "that would be great thanks." El smiled and placed her hand over his.

The three now stood outside the leisure centre, the sun setting in the sky. "Well, I'll see you later Simon," Kieron said. "Sure man," Simon replied giving him a hand-slap. "Take care El," "yeah," she replied giving him a hug, "I'll see you soon." Kieron turned a little more awkwardly to Mike, "it was great to meet you Mike, erm," he said sheepishly, "if you need a motel room you know where to find me." Mike smiled, "yeah thanks Kieron," he stretched out his hand and they shared a warm handshake.

Mike and El sat in the back of Simon's car as he drove them home. El, clearly tired, let her head drop onto Mike's shoulder closing her eyes. Her soft breath against his neck felt wonderful. Mike was careful not to move too much and just sat there in ultimate contentment.

After a while Simon pulled up outside El's house. "That's your lot," Simon said with satisfaction. "Thanks Simon," Mike said gratefully. He turned his head to El who lay dozing against him. "El" he said, softly, "we're home." She stirred, "oh," she said yawning, "sorry." "It's alright," Mike said, "erm, would you mind giving me and Simon a minute?" She gave him a curious look. "It'll only take a sec, why don't you wait for me inside?" "Ok," she replied. Before leaving the car El threw her arms happily around Simon from the back seat, "thanks for a great day" she said to him. "No problem, El" he replied. She released him and turned back to Mike who gave her a reassuring nod. El responded with a small smile and left the car.

When she was safely through the door of the house Simon spoke. "So, did everything go according to plan?" "Yeah, it did" Mike said. While they were getting changed Mike had told Simon about his plan which he agreed was a good one.

Before returning to the café Mike had sneaked outside and placed the poster, he'd bought in Simon's trunk which he'd helpfully unlocked. Mike then jogged to a nearby bakery and purchased another item, also placing it in secret.

"Thanks again," Mike said to him, "it really means a lot." "No worries," Simon replied, "well I best be getting home, it's late." "Yeah," Mike said, reaching out a hand between the seats, "It's been really great to meet you" he said with feeling. Simon grasped Mike's hand, "likewise," he responded warmly, "and, please man, stay in touch." Mike nodded and leaned back opening the car door. In the cool evening air, he removed the items from the trunk and with a thumbs up Simon drove off.

"Now I just have to hope," Mike said to himself as he went over to Will's car. His trunk was also unlocked, he opened it, and inside was. "Yes," Mike said pumping his fist, "thank you Will." He placed the other objects inside and carefully closed the trunk. With a contended sigh, Mike walked towards the soft glow of light, that emerged through the doorway of the house.

El

El stifled another yawn as she walked in the early evening light towards her front door. Honestly, she was very tried, but felt a buzzing sensation, after having the most wonderful day. It had been a wonderful week, three more days just her and Mike and a fourth day accompanied by Will at a theme park.

After their long day out El was more than happy to spend their final day together just chilling. But Mike had requested, insisted, that they go to the leisure centre. El was delighted beyond words and threw her arms round him in the tightest hug she could manage. Even more so when he asked if Simon and Kieron would be there.

"No doubt," she said with an eyeroll, those guys practically live there. "Great," Mike said, "so, do you think Simon would give me some coaching?" El raised an eyebrow, "you don't trust me to coach you?" "Well, I've seen you play Street Fighter and how people end up when they challenge you." El, placed her hands on her hips before making a motion with her fingers. "You're this close to being thrown out mister." "Ok," Mike laughed, taking her hand, "you can coach me."

"I don't think so," El said brushing his hand away, "Simon is a trained coach and you're a hopeless case, so I think you're beyond my skill level." "Come on," Mike said, "that's a bit harsh, I mean I'm not totally hopeless." He picked up her Tennis racket. "Here I'll show you, my technique." El would not normally let anyone else touch her racket, but still, Mike was pushing it.

He lifted it in a careless motion over his head. "No, no" El said, here. She gripped his arm and pulled it down to his side. "Like this," she guided his arm in a fluid motion up and over. "Wow," Mike said, "you're a great coach." "And don't you forget it." El said removing the racket from his hand with a grunt.

He put his arms around her from behind. She crossed her arms playfully. "I think I need some coaching in other things too," Mike said planting a kiss on her neck. "What else can I teach you?" El asked. "Oh, lots of things" Mike said, "drawing, how to eat an ice cream sundae, how to do Ryu's combo move." El thought, "how about meditation?" "Oh, I didn't know you did meditation" Mike replied.

"Not often," El said "but it's good for relaxing." She sat Mike on the bed and moved behind him. "Now close your eyes," she requested. Mike obliged and she began to massage his temples. "Hmm," Mike said, "I feel so, ow" he exclaimed as El applied pressure. "No talking" she said. Slowly she removed her fingers. "There, now how does that feel, Mike? Mike?" She probed. "I thought I wasn't allowed to talk" he said. El sighed and pulled him backwards, into her lap. "No, you're not" she said, "because every word is intolerable," leaning down, stroking his cheek, she gave him a tender kiss.

Remembering this with a smile El unlocked the door and went inside. As if on cue Will appeared. "Hey El how did you get on at Tennis, did Mike totally humiliate himself?" "Well," she said, "not quite a humiliation but he's certainly got a lot of work to do." "Ahh I'm sure he'll apply himself." "Where are you going?" Will asked as El ascended the stairs. "I'm tired, I think I'm going to have a lie down for a bit."

Will shook his head, "that's not happening." "What do you mean?" El enquired. "Look," Will said glancing over his shoulder, "I'm not supposed to say anything. But Mike's taking you out tonight, or rather, I'm driving you somewhere." "Really?" El said intrigued. "I can't say where but, just try and act surprised ok." She grinned nodding.

Mike eventually arrived inside. El made a fake yawn. "I'm beat Mike, I think I'm going to lie down for a bit." She made to go upstairs. "No," he said. "I mean, I hope you don't mind but I've got something planned for tonight." "Oh really?" El said. She ran a hand through her hair suggestively, "I was hoping you would join me?" Mike stuttered, "as nice as that would be," he admitted, "there is somewhere I would really like to show you. And don't worry it's really relaxing."

"Well, if you insist," she said happily skipping down the stairs. "So, when do we leave?" "Right now, if that's ok," he looked over at Will. "Oh sure," Will said with practiced sarcasm, "I had no idea, yeah I'll happily drive you guys." El had to supress a laugh as Mike gave him a bug-eyed look.

The two were now in the back of Will's car, driving along back rounds. El was curious to see where Mike was taking her, but she was also curious about something else. "So, what, did you and Simon talk about?" she asked. "Nothing much" Mike said, "just how it had been nice to meet each other and that we would stay in touch."

"Oh really," El hummed, "that's nice." "Yeah," Mike said glancing at her, "that's alright, isn't it?" "Oh of course," she agreed, "it's just a little strange, two weeks ago you two were very separate parts of my life. And now it's all come together." Mike smiled, "I'm so glad I can share in that part of your life, El." El grinned, running her hand through Mike's hair, "you're so charming you are." "Hey," Will said from up front, "no hanky-panky you two, it's my car." They both gave apologetic looks and contented themselves with holding hands.

Eventually they pulled into a car park, El could just make out the shape of picnic tables and trees in the gloom. "Now don't be too long," Will said who turned the radio on and took out a magazine "I've got places to be you know." "Yeah, thanks" Mike said with a hint of angst and got out the car. El smiled, she loved angsty Mike.

She got out the car into the chill night air. "Here" Mike said who handed El her coat. "Thank you," she said and gratefully put it on, "so where are we going?" "Oh, it's not far" Mike said who opened Will's boot getting out some small parcels, and one very large object. He also got out some blankets which he gave El to carry. "Just follow me, ok?" Mike asked. El nodded as Mike moved off into the woods.

After a short trek El emerged onto the most beautiful sight. An absolute canvas of stars over-looking a sleeping wooded valley. "Mike," she said, looking at the panorama, "it's beautiful." "Yeah," Mike agreed, "Will took me here, I knew you would like it."

Mike placed his items on the ground and took the blankets from El, laying out one for each of them, followed by a second to wrap around themselves. El sat down, she was grateful for the extra blanket, it was cold, even with her coat on.

Mike lit a small lantern on the ground and handed El a mystery parcel. It was square and felt smooth. She opened it, "Foreigner, the greatest hits," El said, a little surprised, "erm, thanks Mike." Hoping he had not taken her all the way up here just to give her that. He then handed her a small white box. "Don't open that one yet" Mike said, "it will take a bit of explaining."

El waited dutifully until Mike too had an identical parcel in front of him. "I wanted to make amends," he said looking at the view, "for what happened at the restaurant." El sighed, "Mike we're already past this." "I know" he said, "I just feel bad." "Where is he going with this?" She wondered.

"I know, you love your desert." Mike said handing her a fork, "you can open it now." El opened the box and inside was, Tiramisu. El gasped, "oh, Mike." She looked at his face, silhouetted in the light, unable to find the words. He smiled, "just enjoy."

El put a forkful in her mouth, the combination of coffee and cream delicious on her tongue. She remembered how the last one had turned sickly sweet. But this, combined with the view and the cold night air, was the best desert she's ever had. After finishing Mike removed the parcel and took the fork back. El reached for his hand, "if you're looking for brownie points" she said, "you just got 100."

"Hmm," Mike said, "that's not bad but I think I can do better". He reached behind and gave her a long-wrapped parcel. El ran her hands along it. "Hey, no peeking" Mike said, "it's dark so I don't trust you." El, smiled to herself and unwrapped, it was clearly a poster of some kind, but she could not see it. Squidging up closer so she could see it in the lamp light, it was, Martina. El's heart leaped as the poster came into view, it was different to her old one but just as captivating. Here she was standing looking at the camera with a smile on her face, racket in hand.

"I'm sorry it's not signed" Mike started, but El had seen enough. She carefully rolled up the poster and abandoning her blanket threw her arms around him. Feeling her shiver, Mike lifted up his own blanket and allowed her into the warmth, thoughtfully adding El's own as a further heat shield. El felt a tear forming, "Mike" she said, "that's so kind, I, I love you so much." She cuddled up to him.

The two held each other smothered with warmth. "So, is that 110 brownie points?" Mike asked. El laughed, "more like a thousand," she said.

They sat in contentment for some time. But El began to sense a change in Mike, something, sad. "Mike?" El asked pressing her cold nose against his cheek, "what's wrong?" "Well, I have one more thing to give you," he let out a sigh "and this one is quite hard." El had an idea what it might be, "shall we open it together?" She asked.

Mike nodded gratefully. He placed the last parcel with its unmistakeable shape in front of them. "I don't know how I feel about this anymore," Mike admitted, "I mean, when it was made, I had a long chat with the guys." "I thought you might hate it, that it would remind of times you'd rather forget." El fixed her gaze upon the package.

"Then I thought, well it's all about the meaning, and." Mike looked deep into El's eyes. "It's a symbol of what you mean to me." "You," he added quickly, "don't have to have it on display or anything." El, smiled, taking Mike's hand encouragingly, "it's ok" Mike she said.

With trembling fingers, the two peeled the paper off the object. It was indeed the Mindflayer, painted black, displayed menacingly above a polished brown base. El breathed heavily as she remembered that night, her powers straining to the limit. Beneath the legs of the beast stood a figure that she recognised to be herself, hands outstretched in a motion of strength, holding it back.

"Well," El ventured, "you've captured my likeness pretty well." "Thanks," Mike said but a bit distantly, "read the inscription." El held the base up to the light, on it was a gold plaque with bold black letters, it said, 'For El, My Champion'.

"Champion?" El said a little amused, "I thought I was your superhero?" "You are" Mike said. "I mean, you always will be, but the words did not seem quite right." "How so?" El asked intrigued. "Well," Mike said, "a superhero is someone who spends their life fighting crime and getting all the glory."

"But you El," Mike said emotion running through his voice," you did this for nothing, you protected us and the world and got nothing in return." "Also," he added, "I know you've never really liked it you've always thought it was not something you deserved." El nodded. "So, I tried to think of a different word, and I think I chose the perfect one to describe you."

"El, you are my champion" Mike said emphatically. "You're strong, heroic, kind, wonderful, smart, all the greatest qualities are contained in you." El did not know how to react, she was not used to such praise, not even from Mike. "And what you've done here is so amazing," he continued, "you've become a champion at Tennis and made a wonderful life for yourself and I'm just in awe of you." El blinked.

"So, I'm sorry if it's all too much but that's how I feel," Mike finished, "you El are my Champion, my knight in shining armour." He finished, clearly glad to get it off his chest.

El sat silently for a moment. "It's good," she said, "but it needs some improvement." "Oh, anything" Mike encouraged. "The plague needs changing," El said, "there needs to be a bit more on there." "And" she said pointing to the figure, "you need to be there beside me," because you're my champion too Mike."

Mike breathed a shaky sigh, "thank you El," he said. They looked into each- others' eyes, and after a brief chilly kiss, the two placed their foreheads, one on the other.

Epilogue

Will

"I can't believe it," Will said out loud to himself as he sat at the kitchen table. "Can't believe what?" Joyce asked him. "How have two weeks have just flown by, I mean, it's been a real rollercoaster." "Yeah," Joyce said, "if you call going out and playing video games for 2 weeks a roller coaster." Will smiled to himself, that his mom was unaware of all the drama that had taken place. Other than Mike's mysterious disappearance the other night, but he had managed to explain that away.

The sound of two sets of footsteps came down the stairs. El and Mike bounced into the room. "My, my you two look jolly today" Joyce remarked. "Sure are," Mike said, "were' trying something new." "Yeah," El said brightly, "something new." To Will's surprise Mike & El sat opposite each other at the table rather than next to each other as was their normal habit.

"What's something new?" Will enquired, "heroic abstinence?" The two laughed, Joyce gave him a look but found herself turning away smiling.

"Not far off actually," Mike said. "We know both know how, hard," he breathed "it will be later on. "So, we've agreed to stay apart" El picked up, "you know, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that."

Will raised an eyebrow, "well I'll believe it when I see it," he said. But seeing them look down distractedly, he added warmly, "it's a good idea, I mean it should help you guys out down the line." This seemed to reassure them a little and they continued their normal breakfast banter.

Time passed quickly and before Will knew it, he was helping Mike carry his things to the car. Pausing in El's room he looked around at the bare walls. The only occupied space was above her bed where the new poster of Martina hung.

On top of the wardrobe the Mindflayer loomed. Not quite in view but not invisible either, the gold plaque shining prominently. Mike arrived back in the room, "hey," he said to Will. Mike too made a circuit of the room with his eyes. "You know these walls are going to be full again soon" Will said, "you're not going to have pole position forever." "I know," Mike said with genuine pride. He moved his hand in an arc, "I hope she covers every inch" he said, "I'm just, so happy I could contribute."

Will smiled patting his shoulder. "I have taught you well my young apprentice." Mike sniggered, "what do you mean?" "Think where you'd be without me?" Will said. "That conversation in the bar, all my love advice." "Your advice," Mike said, with a hint of exasperation, "was not to ask El, anymore about Tennis, remember?" "Yeah," Will admitted looking forlorn, but Mike patted him reassuringly on the back. "But nearly every other thing you said was, perfect." "And" he continued, "I can't thank you enough for helping El."

"Helping El?" Will asked curiously. "The way you talked to her after the restaurant." "Oh," Will said, "it was nothing." "Hardly," Mike said looking at his friend with genuine affection, "you brought her out of a dark place, I don't know where we would be if." "Look," he said feeling emotional, "I'm so happy El has made some great friends here, but even more so that she has you." Will gave an awkward laugh "come on man you're making me blush."

"I know," Mike said bashfully, "just thank you man." "Anytime my friend," Will said with emotion of his own. He reached out his hand, Mike took it. But they moved quickly into a deep hug.

"Hey what's going on?" El asked, sauntering into the room. They broke apart, "oh just saying goodbye to my friend." Will said. "You may have agreed to stay apart but that doesn't mean I don't have to." El gave a small smile. "Yeah," she shifted nervously, "so you guys ready to go?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Mike said bravely.

As they got to the car, El and Mike stood awkwardly, not knowing where to sit. "Why don't you ride up front Mike?" Will ventured, "I'll sit next to El." "Ok sure," Mike said quickly moving off. "Great," El said and got in the passenger seat. As they rode along in silence, Will wondered, "why they were doing this, is it really a good idea?" He felt a small stroke. Glancing down, he saw El had extended one of her fingers across his hand. Sighing Will took her hand, holding it tight.

The airport loomed into view and Joyce parked. After getting all Mike's things out, Joyce pulled him into a big embrace. "I'll miss you Mike," she said, "please give my best to everyone in Hawkins." "Will do," Mike said muffled. He pulled away, "thank you for having me," he said. "You're welcome anytime," Joyce replied warmly.

The three walked down the path into the terminal. They were in a line with Will in the middle. He shot glances at the two of them, both starting into the distance, clearly lost in their minds, "I'm all for modern therapy," Will thought to himself, "but this is not right."

The bong of Mike's flight was called. "Well," Mike said trying to sound cheerful, "at least I don't have to carry that darn Mindflayer back." "Yeah," El said, also putting on a false cheery tone.

Will tried to bridge the awkwardness. "Well, it's been wonderful to see you Mike" he said extending a hand, "keep yourself out of trouble." "Likewise," Mike replied taking Will's hand, before embracing him.

Mike turned to El. "Have, a good flight back," she said softly. "I will" Mike said, "I'll write to you soon, ok?" El managed a smile, "you'd better," she said.

"Right then," Mike said drawing himself to the moment, "I'll see you guys soon." He moved off, looking really, alone, Will thought. He heard a whimper next to him and looked to see El turning to the side hand over her mouth.

He leant close to her, "go to him," he whispered. "But" El said, "go to him," Will said more firmly. She looked ahead, "MIKE!" Mike turned just in time to El running full throttle at him, slowing just enough so that she did not bowl him over. Mike dropped his things with a clatter and spread his arms wide allowing El to spring into him. He picked her up and spun her round, El laughing gaily.

After El was dropped on her feet, they kissed, heavily, with speed, releasing all the tension of the day in this one moment. The final call for Mike's flight was made. "I have to go," Mike said to El but this time with happiness, "I know," El replied beaming, "I love you, Mike." "I love you too El," Mike said smiling. And with a final kiss they parted, Mike making his way towards the gate, El walking back to Will.

"Well, my work here is done," Will said as El arrived at his side and Mike disappeared round the corner. "What do you mean your work is done?" El asked laughing. "Well, you two would clearly be lost without me." El raised an eyebrow, but smiled, and the two walked towards the exit.

Will suddenly felt strange. His best friend was gone, he felt an absence inside him. "You, ok?" El asked. "Yeah," Will said, "just feeling, a bit weird." "I know what you mean," El agreed, "you got any plans for today?" "No," Will said "was just going to chill really." "Hmm," El said, "well I was going to go to the leisure centre, but I was wondering if you were up for a round of street fighter?" "Really!" Will said delighted but drew the emotion back. "I mean yeah, if you think you're good enough."

El grinned, "oh just you wait," she said.

The two friends walked back to the car, memories of the past two weeks filtering through their minds. It was indeed a roller coaster, with loops and bends. But with the prospect of a bright future, and as long as they all had each other, nothing would stand in their way.

The End.