Chapter Text
Terrifyingly a month had crawled passed at snails pace, Since the byers had driven away for the California high leaving a mismatch party behind without the glue that held them together. Oh how easy people can fall apart.
In the month that passed a blackhole had grown in Mikes heart the exact size of his once best friend named Will byers! Even with the "obsession" In to normalcy and heterosexual relations the silly walls he tried to build between them over the last few years . Mike felt his loss more deeply then he suspected the loss of a leg or maybe two.
The next biggest problem was PHONE CALLS. Full dramatic integrity needed. Gosh what he would give for a demo demon to end his misery. Look he was happy for the whole byers and hopper family the new house sounded beautiful. Lenora made them happy... Free from the constant torment that Harkins breathed with.
And that was part of the issue. Each call left him with a tea cup of dread to add to his stomach .
Mike didn't want to be left behind but his government hush money account wouldn't be assessable until he was 21. which was a stupidly large amount of years away. when he wishes for the plane ticket right now , heck he'd take a train or bus; or even walk … It would only take a month ,less if he cuts on sleep and doesn't stop.
Writing letters was a little easier. Mike didn't have to hear wills excitement. not that it didn't bubble off the pages. He was just as alive on paper as though a statistic phone line. They used to call almost everyday with a letter once a week for the convocations that didn't fit the phone lines budget. Karen had already had three separate arguments with Nancy about the phone bill just that week.
Sorrow and tears were harder to hide over a phone line when the quiver of your voice could be heard at least with letters you can scrap it and start again.
El's letters weren't as depressing to handle. She was too mystified with how Lenora was different to the wasteland of Harkins. Graving to much to bear anyone else's woes but her own, But that was okay Mike just built his walls to a climb worthy level and read each new lie... Maybe she was happy, Or maybe she just didn't need a reminder of home because it wasn't her home anymore . It hadn't been mike's either since he asked a little boy to be his friend on an old school swing. He couldn't help but wonder who Jane's home was, It sure as hell wasn't him.
Then you add the horror of starting high school... It put the upside down to shame on a hourly setting. Anyone who tells you differently well. Are they okay?
Each party member seemed to stand up continuing on to high school with nothing more then a grunt of pain. Mike couldn't help but feel he stayed on the dirty floor. He didn't have anyone to break his fall when he couldn't make it all the way to his feet. When the mind numbing headaches bounced around his skull. When the pain in his chest became more then he could bear. Again and again.
A big change. One of too many truthfully. Another change was Lucas's three sixty on basketball. The last years of middle school Lucas has called them uncontrolled green suited monkeys playing fetch but now. He was obsessed!
Mike didn't care if Lucas decided on the last day of summer break basketball was gonna be his new max. Didn't care if he suddenly wanted it to be everything about him , If he didn't have enough time to hang out with his friends as much. Mike's own after school job was preventing him . If Lucas was gonna play basketball and it made him happy, Mike would be in the stands. They needed all the happiness they could get.
What he did care about was the effect popularity approached on him. The high brought out a mean streak. One that was being directed at Mike more then he cared to think about until he had too.
He didn't think that moment would be now.
Spotting Lucas's classic dark hair in the lonely corridors, Mike sprang into a light jog to catch up wanting to discuss the upcoming game. Plans of recording it, when his friend made it on court to send to will.
"Lucas.. " Mike called out meekly an attempt to grab his attention. however when no acknowledgement was seen he called once more and reached forward timidly, hesitantly placing his hand on Lucas' shoulder. In a sudden burst of aggression and fury, Lucas spun around, snarling at Mike with a fire in his eyes and snapping "What do you want Mike?"
Mikes heart sank as a wave of icy fear rushed through him. Had he done something wrong? With fear twisting in his stomach like a tornado.
" I just wanted to ask if you where free Friday night and to discuss your next game? " Mike stammered, trying hard to remember what had triggered this outburst of rage. But before he could even collect his thoughts,
"No man, I've got plans with the guys. Go ask one of your freak friends who still play kids games." His words hit Mike like bullets and tears burned in his eyes - what had he done? "I... sorry for asking." His heart sunk like a stone as the words hit home. With a mocking sneer, Lucas added, "I don't have time for a bratty whiner like you. I'm done being your friend. Get lost loser!" Rubbing at his tear-streaked sweatshirt and chest,
pleading one last time "Lucas..." He stumbled backwards, dazed with pain, unable to understand what had just happened. As the tears began to fall from his eyes, he realized - this was only the beginning of a heartbreak he would become all too familiar with.
Before Mike could even reboot his brain, Before he could blink, Lucas had already turned his back and walked away to his popular basketball friends.
Part of his soul cracked. Forgiveness would not come easy after this encounter however Mike couldn't comprehend who was in the wrong. wishing he choose to stay in bed and this was just another stupid tormenting nightmare but wishing was pointless.