October 15th, 1984.

Hawkins, Indiana.

"Dr. Owens?"

"Yes, Descotaeux?"

"Project 011. What are the limits of her powers?"

There was a sound of chuckling.

"Limits? For this project, I don't think they exist. Don't be stupid."

"Whatever you say, boss."

"Mike! It's time for school!"

The sound of my mother's voice woke me from my dream. Another dream about El, what's new? I stumbled out of bed, languidly pulling off my pajamas and pulling on my new school clothes. I had gotten new clothes recently, seeing as the growth spurt side of puberty finally smacked me and I shot up five or six inches. I towered over Dustin, who only grew a bit since last year. Lucas was easily two or so inches above me, and Will hadn't grew a bit. Max, a friend was had made over the summer, was about Dustin's height. I pulled on my shoes and quickly ran a comb through my hair. I ran downstairs, grabbing an Eggo and running out of the front door, bidding farewell to my mom, Holly on her hip. I hopped on my bike and pedaled to Hawkins Middle School, finishing my waffle. I only ate them because they reminded me of her. I don't know why I even think about her this much still. Dustin and Lucas almost forgot about her by now, but I still have passing thoughts about her daily. It's not like I like her or anything, I just feel emotionally bonded to her. We went through a lot together. And yeah, she was pretty, but it's not a crime to think a girl is pretty. The thoughts have been getting worse lately. It's beginning to take over. I'm not obsessed or anything.

WHAM

Lost in thought, I hit a big rock, crashing my bike in front of the school and flying over the handles. A lot of kids whipped around, stifling their giggles. I shot up, gathering myself, and dusting myself off. Luckily, Dustin, Will, Max, and Lucas spotted me and ran over.

"Dude, you good? Because that was hilarious." Dustin said, in between laughs. Lucas and Will helped me up.

"I'm fine, thanks." I sighed, picking my bike up and wheeling it to the racks. The first bell rang, and we all headed to our classes.

"Something's bothering Mike today, I'm getting a weird vibe." Will whispered to Max.

Max adjusted her ponytail, sighing, and replied with a simple, "Well, when is something not bothering him lately?"

"I dunno, I'm just worried about him." Will admitted, shaking off the thought that something bad was coming.

On the way home from school, something hit me. It was like a god damn truck. I had to go to the Lab. She was there, and I knew it. But we needed a way in.

"Guys, I think I know where Eleven is-"

"Oh, not this bullshit again..." Lucas yelled, trailing off.

"C'mon, Mike, she's dead. We literally watched her die." Dustin added.

"Dustin, you're wrong, I have a weird feeling about this. She's in the lab. Y'know, the lab."

"If you can find a way in, we can investigate. See you guys tomorrow." Max said, pedaling harder, and turning into her driveway. We all waved goodbye, and made our ways home. I can't stop thinking about it. I got home, half-assedly doing my homework and getting lost in thought. Hawkins National Laboratory. Just the name of that place left a bitter taste in my mouth. She's there, and I know it. I'm finding a way in there, with or without their help.

a/n Thank you for reading this :) I added names for a scientist, and it isn't canon (other than Owens apparently) so yeah :p