Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
*TW: Mentioned verbal familial abuse*
In Family Video, Steve and Robin were off organizing the tapes on one side of the store while Kali was perusing the tapes on the other side of the store. It was a safe enough distance for Robin to talk to her friend about her crush while not raising her voice. "And then Vicki laughed, but it wasn't like a fake, had-to-laugh laugh," she babbled after putting one tape in its spot. She walked over to Steve displaying more tapes on a shelf. "It was like a real, genuine laugh."
He scoffed and replied, "Of course she laughed, it was my Muppet joke." He smirked, thinking about how Kali also found it funny. Made him extra proud to make it up.
After he was done with that row, he went to another, his blonde friend following him. "What I'm trying to say is that when Vicki laughed, everything was..." She held back her need to squeal for Kali, closing her eyes and her fists. She let out a little grunt and continued, "Everything was perfect."
He began to place the tapes of the new shelf. "Buuuut...?"
"B-but I have this problem where, like..." She made a gesture with her hand and head. "Like I don't know when to stop talking. I said everything I need to say-" Her movements and gestures became erratic. "But then I get so nervous, so words just start spilling out and continue spilling out-" She made that gesture as Steve was done with his pile and moved the cart along to the next isle. "-and i-it's like my brain's moving faster than my mouth-" She shook her head. "No, no, no - like my mouth's moving faster than my brain and I just keep digging a hole for myself and I wanna stop digging that hole-" Steve went to work displaying more tapes. "-but I just can't. Stop. Digging. I'm trying to stop, but I can't - it's like, very impossible for me-" She took a few steps forward before coming to a realization. She turned to him and finished, "-and I'm doing it right now, aren't I?"
Steve leaned against the shelf and smirked in a non-condescending way, nodding and answering, "Yeah."
She sighed deeply, walking back and pressing herself against the "Wiz" poster. "Jesus, I'm a lost cause..." she muttered.
Pitying her, the guy joined her against the poster with crossed arms. "You're not a lost cause, Robin. It's just...hard for you."
She huffed and replied in a hushed voice, "I know." She turned her head towards him. "To be honest, if I was a guy, I'd have nothing to worry about."
He looked at her weird. "What? You talking before thinking is not a girl thing-"
"J-just listen, Steve." He shut himself up and paid her full attention. She merely looked out into space though. "I know what my type is and Vicki..." She nodded slowly. "She is my type, my dream-come-true. But I don't even have the courage to ask her out. Not just because of my bad habit, but because we don't truly know if she's into girls too. If she would reject me but accepts my sexuality or reject me and tell the town my secret." She looked up at him again, gesturing between him and her. "But I wouldn't need to worry about that if we had the same chromosomes."
Steve sighed. "Robin-"
"Steve, literally I wouldn't have my head on a pike if I was a guy. I'd even have a bigger chance with her since there are more straight girls than not-"
"Robin, Robin, please, don't say that shit about yourself." She stopped, but looked uneasy. "You're charming and even pretty as you, a woman."
She scoffed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. "Don't patronize me, Steve-"
"I'm serious." She faced him again, skeptical. He was undeterred, motioning to her. "Look at you. You put effort in your appearance, even if it's not over-the-top. People actually prefer normal looks." He looked over at Kali, who was checking out the drama section. She was never over the top with her looks, even when she dressed all fancy for whatever dance was happening. "Take it from me. Any girl that thinks you're ugly is not worth it." She failed to hold back a smile. "And you are charming. I find you charming as a friend, with your nerdy lingo and random trivia. People'd be into that." She kept her small smile. "Besides, if you were even a guy, you'd still be bottom of the pecking order with little-to-no chance to getting girls in high school. And who knows?" He shrugged. "Maybe Vicki's a lesbian too. Or bisexual."
Robin chuckled sadly, knowing some part of that speech was right. "Maybe you have a point, Steve..." She shook her head, looking at her feet. "But I'm still not wrong. Even if I'd still be a loser in high school that gets no girls, it's better to be a man attracted to women than a woman attracted to women." Steve somberly looked away, not able to counter that. Robin noticed. "You know I'm right. You and every straight guy that's ever existed knows that more than others." He sighed deeply, trying to come up with any argument to make his friend feel better about herself...
Kali looked over at the two, seeing how somber they were. She didn't know what they were talking about exactly, but it must have been heavy. It didn't help that she and Steve had a heated argument earlier. This hang-out was really turning dour, wasn't it? She looked down at her finger trailing over the case for Doctor Zhivago. A wave of nostalgia hit her gloomy mood as she picked up the case.
This was Barb's favorite movie.
She'd never forget the times they've watched it together at sleepovers. It was how much her late best friend loved it. She could recount quotes and scenes without any issue. But there was this one sleepover they've watched the film...their last. It was...it took a turn Kali never expected.
No, she didn't want to feel any more grim than she did now.
She held it close to her and turned around towards the employees. "Hey guys," she called out. They both looked up at her as she approached them with the tape. "How about we watch this?"
When she got close, Robin lit up, surprised and joyful. "Doctor Zhivago?" she asked, her voice breathy. Kali smiled.
"It was Barb's favorite."
Steve looked genuinely surprised while Robin tensed up. "Wait, really?" he asked. She nodded, waving the case next to her head.
"She'd always bring her copy at our sleepovers."
The freckled girl gulped nervously before hiding her uneasiness with a smile. "Well, she's got great taste."
The brunette was skeptical though. "I mean, I don't do double-VHS..."
"But it's about doomed love," his best friend stated.
"Can't be any more entertaining than that," his girlfriend added.
Ugh, jeez. There he was, being bullied into watching a romantic drama by two of his most important women. He chuckled and waved his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright, I'll watch it." Both of them beamed, Robin being in a cheering pose.
"Yesssss!" She snatched the VHS from Kali as the three made it over to the counter.
"You seem very excited, Robin," Kali said.
"Uh, yeah, because I love this film. It's so perfect. Not to mention how Julie Christie is ho-" She stopped herself, nearly slipping out her secret just like that. Kali became confused. Steve was visibly panicked, then Robin faked a cough as she went into the counter space.
"Whooooa, you okay there, Robin?" he asked coyly.
"Y-yeah," she answered, faking another cough. "Just need some, uh, water."
"Right, water, yeah." Steve nodded suspiciously. "Since you keep blabbing all the time."
Robin faked another cough as she got her water bottle and drank from it. "Oh, very funny, Steve. Very funny." She grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, which went to the news.
"We are reporting live from the Forrest Hills trailer park in east Roane County," the newswoman said, getting everyone's undivided attention as the couple entered into the counter space. "We don't know all the details right now, but we can confirm right now that the body of a resident of this park was discovered last night."
"Last night...?" Kali muttered under her breath. All of them were stunned at the news.
"Holy shit..." Steve also muttered.
"Police have not yet released the name of the victim, although we are told that they are in the middle of notifying the family and partner."
At the run-down yet revitalized Benny's Diner, Jason checked up on Lucas, who was puking from his first hangover in the bathroom. After that, he prepared some cereal for himself while the guys who were awake were trying to get the TV working. By the time he got there, it worked and showed the news. "Thought we were watching ThunderCats, guys," the captain said, a bit confused.
"Some trailer trash got murdered last night," Patrick said rather plainly.
That caught him a bit off-guard. "What?"
"Yeah, it's on every channel," Andy added in annoyance.
They continued watching for a bit, Jason getting curious. "They say who it is?"
"Not yet," Patrick answered.
The capped teen suddenly grinned and said, "Imagine if it was Tommy H.'s ex-slut, Carol." He laughed after.
Jason had no feelings about that, since he was never close to the previous Princess of Hawkins High. Patrick, however, didn't appreciate that joke, leering at his teammate. "Hey, don't say that, man."
Andy looked at him weird. "Dude, come on, it's a joke."
The coily-haired teammate shook his head in disapproval. "You don't joke about someone like that getting murdered."
The curly-haired teen scoffed, throwing his hand up. "Hey, rumor has it she lives there...or lived, if she actually died. Probably got some STD or some shit."
Patrick did not like that either. "Come on, Andy."
Now he was getting annoyed by him. "Jesus man, what's up your ass? Everyone knows she slept around when she was with Tommy-"
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared on TV, making their captain command loudly, "Hey, quiet!" The two stopped as they looked at the TV...
Seeing Billy being interviewed from a trailer.
Andy's brows shot up. "Jesus, he lives there now?" Jason shushed him as the interview went underway. "Christ, okay. I'll shut up." Underneath Billy's name was his title, 'Hero of Hawkins'.
"Have you ever seen anything like this before, Mr. Hargrove?" the reporter asked Billy.
The teen sighed heavily before answering, "No...not even at the fire." He shook his head, pressing his fingers against his forehead. "This is...just...horrible." Jason sympathized with him. A murder in that shithole...his idol truly deserved better-
Suddenly, he heard sirens at a distance, making him walking away from the broadcast to check it out.
The broadcast went to a woman that lived in the trailer park, who mentioned Barb's death. Kali went stiff, clenching her fists as she remembered the night she and Steve slept together...pushed Barb away to be with him...left her for dead, as it turned out.
Steve looked down at his girlfriend's somber expression and held her close to him. She was not comforted.
Robin tried her best to bury any feelings connected to Barb, to not show anything in front of these two.
At the Hargrove's, Max was putting the washed dishes while her mom and step-dad watched the news. She almost broke a plate when she heard a murder happened. She was relieved to hear Billy's voice though. At least he wasn't the victim. She did hear his dad get up and walk away from the TV though. It seemed like he hated his son so much, he couldn't bare to see him on television for a few seconds.
She finished her chore and walked over to the living room. She saw the horrified look on her mom's face while Neil came back and sat next to her again. "This is so terrifying," her mom said in a shaky voice.
Neil held her close. "And here I thought we'd move into a peaceful little town," he said before shaking his head. "But everything's going to hell." For once, the redhead agreed with her step-dad. This town was genuinely screwed up...though she knew more than them that the town wasn't at fault. The man turned off the TV and stood up, sighing deeply. "We need to be extra careful if there's a murder." He faced Max. "We're gonna lock all the doors and the windows when we go out. We have to make sure you're safe."
She gulped from the way he delivered. It seemed more like a threat than a promise. "Sure...Dad."
Suddenly, the home phone rang, startling the girl next to it. She saw Neil go for it, so she backed up and let him. He picked up the receiver and said, "Hello?"
Hearing his dad's voice on the other line made Billy's blood run cold. He shut his eyes and moved the receiver away from him, hearing that bastard say more firmly, "Hello?"
"Goddamn it," he muttered. If he had to deal with his dad to get to Max, then so be it. He put the receiver back and asked, "Can ya get Max on the line?"
There was silence from the other line, making him wonder if his father hung up before he could even speak...then it was broken by him asking, "Not even willing to greet your own father, William?"
He scoffed, expecting that.
Max froze, knowing he was talking to Billy. Only at Thanksgiving did she ever hear Neil call him William.
"Hey, Dad. Can I please talk to Max?" His voice was dark and venomous.
His father scoffed. He didn't need to see him to know he was sarcastically grinning over the phone. "Why?"
He had to be joking. "'Cause she's my sister and I need to check up on her."
"What? You don't think I'm taking good care of her?"
Billy was ready to explode in pure anger. He said that in such a taunting, condescending tone that he was ready to kick his ass. He clenched his teeth and sighed deeply before replying, "I just wanna check up on her after what happened last night. Ya think I shouldn't?"
"She's just damn fine. Anything else you want?" Neil asked in an aggressive tone. Max just stood still, hoping that this could get wrapped up.
"I'll know she's damn fine when I actually talk to her, now get her on the phone," Billy replied in that same tone.
"Oh, so you think I'm doing a terrible job. Is that it?!"
He leaned back on his wheelchair and planted a hand on his forehead, getting very frustrated. "Jesus Christ, Dad, is talking to her too much to ask?!"
"Is that it, Billy?! Is that it?!" Max wrapped her arms around herself, digging her nails into her skin as she kept being frozen in fear.
Thankfully, her mother went to Neil and patted his shoulder. "Neil, please, just let them talk," she told him calmly. He turned to her with a glare. She saw her become tense, but still stand her ground. "Didn't you want them to get along? Billy is just being a responsible brother." He huffed, his nostrils flared as he looked down at the phone.
"Dad...you kept nailing lessons about respect and responsibility into my skull for years. And now you're getting on my ass for finally showing that for my little sister," Billy continued. "Makes no goddamn sense, don't ya agree?"
There was silence on the other line, the air tense despite the distance. Finally, he heard his father sigh in defeat and reply, "Fine. You wanna talk to Max?"
He stiffly gave his step-daughter the phone. With a shaky hand, she got it from him as he turned his heel. "Come on, Susan." He grabbed her mom's wrist and dragged her away with him.
Max gulped, taking a shaky deep breath to try and calm herself. After a moment, she heard Billy's voice ask, "Max? Dad?"
She put the device to her ear and said, "I-it's me, Billy. It's me."
Billy face-palmed with a heavy sigh, feeling like absolute shit. "I'm sorry."
"What?"
"I'm sorry for leaving you with him. I..."
This shit again. She shook her head and lied, "It's fine, Billy, it's fine."
"It's not, Max-"
"It's fine." Her tone was firm, definitely shutting him up. "You, uh...wanted to talk to me?"
Billy closed his eyes, pushing away his guilt and worry for now. "You guys see the news?"
"Yeah...we saw you."
He sighed, leaning back against his wheelchair. "Okay, well..." He looked over at the McHollises, who just got back to eating their breakfast after looking away. He lowered his voice. "There's more to what's happened."
Max's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yeah, but I can't talk here. I'm using a neighbor's phone. Is there any place you and your friends go to talk?"
She began thinking. "Uh..." She came up with a place. "Dustin's house."
"Address?"
"4867 Danis Road."
He nodded. "Alright. Get everyone else too. I'll see you there."
She nodded as well. "Alright. See ya."
With that, he hung up the phone. "Is everything alright?" Esther asked.
He turned to the adults, smiling at their concern. "I'm okay, it's just..." He shook his head as he wheeled himself to his side of the table. "I don't got the best relationship with my dad." They nodded in understanding before they all continued eating.
Max went to calling the Sinclair household, but when Erica answered, she said that Lucas had not come back after she made the effort for covering for him. She sighed and asked if she could come to Dustin's. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair was letting her out. She hung up that line and called Dustin, which went better. After the plan was set, she hung up the phone to see her parents go to the front door with their things.
"Now Max," Neil started sternly, pointing at her. "We locked everything we needed to in this house - to protect you." She gulped once again, nodding. "Don't even think of unlocking them to go out. If any of your friends try to goad you, don't fall for it." She simply nodded before seeing her mother's worried smile.
"Like your father said, it's to protect you," she tried to reassure her. "We need to go to work, but make sure to keep yourself protected while in here."
"Okay, Mom," she replied. She spotted Neil's expecting face, making her begrudgingly say, "And thank you...Dad." He smiled at her before they went out the door and clicked the lock.
Now she was under house arrest. But Billy said there was more to the murder than what meets the eye. There was no way she could keep herself holed up here because his asshole father said so.
She went to her room and went to the window, unlocking it. She froze up though, as the memory of what happened the last time she snuck out. House arrest, Neil's verbal anger, the hammering of his rules in her head...it was terrifying. It was why she...she couldn't stand up to him...not any more.
But she snuck out in the evening, when they came back from the bank and were in the house. They weren't there now and they'd only come back at around 6. Thank God she got the watch Jane gave her on her birthday. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, calming herself. Once that worked, she opened up the window, grabbed her skateboard, and got out.
Another day, another robbery.
The Wheelers and their gang had their van parked at a desolate gas station. Mick stayed behind with Holly as the rest were inside, restocking on supplies. All wore masks - Mick wore her signature blue wolf mask and Holly her usual baby-face mask. The young girl looked around her surroundings, seeing more desert than anything she was used to. The coily-haired woman tapped the wheel in rhythm to the rock song playing while waiting for the gas to fill up.
"Auntie Mick?" Holly asked.
She stopped what she was doing and turned to her. "Yeah, Holly?"
"I thought California had beaches."
That got a laugh out of the woman, hanging her head back. She shook her head when it died off. "The coasts have beaches, Holly."
The girl became confused, tilting her head to the right. "Coasts?"
"Lands near the ocean. Lots and lots of beaches. But where we're going..." She shook her head, sighing in disappointment. "...no beaches, unfortunately."
Holly was just as disappointed. "Awww..."
Mick nodded in understanding. "I know." She shrugged, smiling under her mask. "But hey-" She looked at her with a twinkle in her eye. "-at least you'll see your uncle again!"
Holly beamed, jumping in her seat all giddy and excited. "Yeah! I'm so happy!"
Mick's hidden smile grew. "That's the spirit!" Even though she had mixed feelings of the kid ever since he ran off, at least the little girl was still excited to see him.
"I hope he still likes me."
The blue-masked woman nodded. "I'm sure he does. But if he doesn't..." She shrugged. "Then screw him. You don't need trash that don't like you in your life." Her voice lowered a little, thinking about her past. "You really don't..." Her voice was low.
The blonde girl became concerned, leaning forward. "Auntie Mick?"
She shook her head and waved her hand, as if to wave the change in air away. "Don't worry 'bout me. Again, I'm sure Mike'll still like to see ya again. Your mom's pretty excited to see him too."
Holly's enthusiasm notably died down, but she nodded and leaned back against the cushions of her seat to relax. Mick noticed that, remembering that...well, her relationship with her mother slowly soured over the years. Ever since Mike left, Holly was inconsolable for weeks. Even Nancy gave up on trying to make her feel better. But after she got better, Holly became less enthusiastic around her mom. Mick offered to help, but Nancy wanted her to stay out of it. Other than what happened a few days ago, there wasn't much development over the years. She hoped they would mend their relationship and be proper mother and daughter.
...
Meanwhile, the gang was close to filling their bags with enough supplies for the road. The employees and store owner were lured into the back by Nancy's vision and locked away, so they had no worries about getting caught. Nancy's bag was full already, so she did what she needed to. As she went to the entrance though, she spotted a telephone on the clerk's counter. She eyed it carefully...coming up with an idea. It may be stupid and probably unlikely, but she had to do it. Just another piece of practice.
She tilted her head down, eyes steady on the phone. She began to strain herself to try and destroy the phone. She tried very hard, her full concentration on the device. Her ears began ringing and her head started aching, but she kept trying. She could barely, barely feel the weight of the phone. That was good, albeit expected. She just need to feel the full weight before doing anything. She kept trying and trying...
Not destroying the phone.
She stopped, tasting metal on her tongue. She nosebled underneath her masquerade-esque mask though...
"Nancy," Axel called out, making her turn to him and the rest of the group. "We're done." He tilted his head towards the door. "Let's go."
She sighed and replied, "Alright, alright." They all exited the store, the phone still there...untouched.
After having breakfast at a diner called Over Eazee'z, the adults took a walk around town. It was quite peaceful and cozy, almost like Hawkins but in warmer weather. Plenty of local businesses were around as well as a few recognizable ones. It wasn't bustling like a city or anything, but Terry and Andrew enjoyed the sights regardless. And to Terry, this was definitely the perfect spot for Mike to hide and blend into. They've also enjoyed their friend's tour guiding, being more enthusiastic than needed to make them laugh and smile.
Then when they were finished, Joyce drove them over to the rural side, untouched by anything manmade. The car parked on the side of the road, Terry asking, "We won't get a ticket or anything?"
Joyce pulled the keys from her ignition and shrugged with a look of confidence. "Haven't gotten a ticket yet," she answered, making her friend chuckle at her tone. The three then got out.
A breeze swept the area as they took in the view of the prairie and the mountains afar. Andrew whistled while Terry looked awed by the sight. "Wow..." she murmured softly.
Her best friend smiled, standing next to her with crossed arms. "I know. Pretty, isn't it?" she asked.
"Gorgeous," the long-haired man replied, sitting himself down on the grass. "Haven't seen something like this in a long time."
His girlfriend sat down with him, holding his hand. "There's nothing like this in Hawkins."
Joyce nodded as she was the last to sit down. "Exactly." She wrapped her arms around her propped-up knees. "I knew from the second I first saw this that I had to show you two." The couple laughed a little, making her grin as she took in the view. "But really, a sight like this is a breath of fresh air. Always came out here whenever I felt overwhelmed with the day."
"I can see why," Andrew said, a bit solemn. "Nature is, well, naturally serene. You don't get that in anything manmade."
Joyce nodded again, also solemn. "Yeah, you're right." Terry glanced between the two, noting how the jovial feeling in the air died down. Her best friend and her boyfriend both mirrored expressions, making her worry. She could figure out why though, with their contemplative looks. Then the brunette woman smiled and added, "I was thinking of having a picnic here."
The long-haired man turned to her. "With us or with the kids?"
She glanced at them warmly. "With everyone." They smiled back at her, Terry squeezing her shoulder gently in support. Joyce appreciated that as they went back to viewing the pretty sights.
After breakfast, the older teens drove the younger ones to the popular Rink-O-Mania. People were still coming into the place from the parking lot. The parked near the spot as Mike opened up the side door and went out. He helped Jane get out by holding her hands and pulling her out. Will got out after her as the couple continued holding hands. They all walked away from the van.
However, Jonathan didn't just want to see his little brother go without saying...something. That was why he called out, "Will!" The birthday boy stopped and turned to his older brother. The older teen tried to smile. "Have fun in there! We'll be back at 6!"
Will nodded, feeling a bit awkward as he replied flatly, "Thanks." He turned around and joined the couple in entering the rink.
Jonathan simultaneously felt stupid and heartbroken by that clipped response, flattening his lips. At the same time, he should've expected it, what with how he and Mike were distant from him lately. Argyle only glanced at him sympathetically before getting out of park and driving away.
...
Inside, Jane was awed. Never mind the bright lights and fun decorations, the atmosphere was unlike anything she had experienced before. Plenty of people were skating in the rink to "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" by Dead or Alive while others had fun with the plethora of games at the arcade. The rink even had a disco ball above, sparkling everywhere. Both of the boys were happy to see that she took a liking to this place instantly. For Will, it was worth changing plans.
They went to the front desk and checked in Will's birthday reservation. Now they'd be able to enjoy free skate rentals, discounted food and drinks, a few free tickets for games, and even free cake! They were told where their table was and how someone will serve them when they get there before getting on their way.
"That's so cool!" Jane said, making the boys smile once again. She looked over at her auburn-haired friend. "What should we do first?"
Will got a bit taken aback by the spotlight on him, tensing up and saying, "O-oh, uh..."
"Let's go skating!" Mike suggested enthusiastically. Jane brightened up at the suggestion, so Will felt like he had no choice but to smile and nod.
With that, they made it to the rental desk and picked out their skates. "Enjoy," the clerk there said.
"Thanks," the freckled boy said as they made their way to a bench. He looked down at Jane and asked, "This place is bitchin', isn't it?"
She giggled and looked back up at him. "Yeah, bitchin'!" He smiled wide. "You guys come here all the time?"
"Yeah," Mike answered.
"No," Will answered at the same time. The two glanced at each other, Mike giving him a dubious expression. That made him clear his throat and added, "W-well, not me."
"I go to parties all the time here," Mike also added. Jane nodded before looking over at her best friend.
"I'm surprised you wanted to have a party here."
He laughed nervously. "Well, uh..." He shrugged, looking up at Mike. "Mike kept telling me how fun it would be to have a birthday party here, so...why not?" Mike smiled warmly at him, making his heart beat faster. He looked away, trying to suppress his blush. Jane's own warm smile wasn't helping either.
When they sat down at the bench, the boys removed their shoes to put on the skates. When Jane removed hers though, a realization hit Mike. "O-oh, wait." She stopped, looking up at him. "You need socks."
She gasped, glancing at the two with wide eyes. "Oh shoot..."
Will put on a reassuring expression and pouted at the rental corner. "They give them out at the counter." She sighed in relief as she stood up and slipped her flats back on.
"Okay, good. I'll be back in a bit!" They waved her off as she went to the desk.
Will looked over at Mike while the two put on their skates, ignoring his racing heart as he thought about being in on Mike's lies. It really felt uncomfortable for him to do this to her, especially since friends don't lie. He gulped, then took a deep breath. He finally faced the dark-haired boy and asked, "How did you forget the socks?"
He looked over at him, surprised. "Huh?"
"The socks, since you 'go to parties here all the time'?"
Mike felt a bit uncomfortable and shrugged. "I don't know. I just...forgot."
Will sighed deeply as he tied his skates. "I don't think we should keep doing this to her."
Mike's eyes narrowed. "Do what to her?"
"Lie."
He huffed, shaking his head as he tied his skates as well. "We're not lying, Will. We're just...making things better."
His foster brother gave him a baffled look. "By lying?" He gestured out the door. "Mike, you're not friends with that douchebag Jake-" He swept his arm in the opposite direction. "-and you don't go to parties here."
He glared at him, rebutting, "But I have been to a party here-"
"For Mom's work." Mike rolled his eyes, looking away from him. He felt tense. "Mike, we shouldn't keep lying to her." He also looked away from him. "Please, I've been friends with her ever since we started kindergarten. She hates lies and doesn't like whenever our Party has them." Mike dug his fingers into his skin, feeling guilty and terrible. "And when she finds out, she's gonna be pissed." He turned to him, still seeing that he refused to look at him. "She doesn't deserve that. We both know it." Mike knew he had a point, but...
When Jane got her socks and made her way back to the bench, she saw that the two were down in the dumps. She was instantly worried and speed-walked over there, sitting herself down. "Are you two okay?" she asked, glancing at them.
"Yeah," they both answered in unison. She didn't buy it and it showed in her expression.
"We were just talking about..." Mike shrugged. "...if you knew how to skate."
She was confused, looking at Will. He forced a smile and added to the lie, "I mean, I never saw you roller skate, so..."
"Oh." She nervously chuckled. "I don't." She slipped off her Mary-Janes. "But it's always fun trying something new." Will just nodded. She then slipped on her mismatched socks. "I got myself a yellow sock and a purple sock after asking nicely. Isn't that cool?" The boys nodded with grins.
"Yeah," Mike replied. As she continued to prepare herself though, he looked down, processing Will's words. He was right...he knew he was right. But there was no way he could tell her the truth...not right now. He just wanted things to be okay, to be normal. He sighed before she announced, "I'm done." Mike pushed those thoughts aside and stood up, holding her hand to get her up. Will stood up too.
With Mike's and even Will's help, the three made it to the skating rink. Jane's legs wobbled with every pace, trying to balance herself. "O-oh my God...I'm like Bambi on ice," she said, blushing in embarrassment.
Mike looked reassuring and told her, "You're good, Jane. You're good. You got this." Brightened by his encouragement, she nodded as they continued skating. He whooped as they skated away from the birthday boy.
He didn't bother to catch up with them though. At least they were both happy...happy enough to leave him behind on his birthday, but happy regardless. Even so, he still hated how taken in Jane was by his lies. He knew...he knew, more than anyone, that she did not deserve that. He wondered if he should break the news to her or if Mike was actually going to do it himself. That'd be a nice change of pace, since everything that happened today was because of him. Sure, he agreed to them because...well, it was Mike and he'd do anything for him now, but...
This day felt more like a welcoming party for Jane than his own birthday.
...
As he skated somberly though, a familiar group of teens entered in: Jake, Angela, Chad, and Stacy. The head honcho spotted a familiar face skating with someone else, surprising him. Then he grinned and said, "Hey guys, look." He pointed at Mike, directing them to see him and Jane, who they've never seen before.
"Who's that?" Stacy asked.
Angela scoffed and asked, "And why is she wearing his art project as a dress?" The three laughed.
"I dunno..." Jake's expression turned mischievous. "But it looks like the snitch has a bitch."
His girlfriend grinned and stated, "I knew spring break was gonna be fun." Her boyfriend nodded in agreement, keeping his eyes on the couple. He couldn't wait, since his parents got on his ass for getting in trouble, well...why didn't he want to give Mike some payback?
That's the end of this chapter. How was it? Any typos or mistakes I might've missed?
I'll let you guys unpack this chapter. So keep supporting this fanfic and I'll see you guys in the next chapter!