Chapter Text
A scream pierced through the peaceful air of a Sunday morning. Joyce snapped awake, recognizing Eleven’s voice and Will’s shouts coming down the hall. She flipped off the blankets and rushed out of the room, panic bubbling in her chest as she raced towards the noises.
“What is going on? Will? Jonathan?” She shouted, racing into Eleven’s room to find all of her kids frantically shouting inside of it.
“Kill it, kill it, Jonathan!” Will shouted, turning around in circles as he searched for something.
“I can’t find it!”
Eleven shrieked, pointing to the carpet.
“There!”
Joyce looked down as Jonathan, who held a sandal in his hand, slapped down onto a spider that was scurrying away.
“Did you get it?” Will asked frantically. Jonathan sighed and shook his head.
“It’s just a spider?” Joyce said, shoulders slumping in relief.
“Joyce!” Eleven shouted, running to her and hugging her tightly. Joyce stroked her head and sighed.
“Honestly guys, I thought you were all being attacked by some monster, o-or a burglar!” She scolded as Will looked underneath Eleven’s bed.
“Sorry, mom,” The boys mumbled. Jonathan gasped.
“I see it! It’s huddling under the dresser! But I can’t reach-”
The dresser lifted into the air, floating about three feet above Jonathan’s head. The spider froze in its tracks as it was exposed. Jonathan glanced at Eleven for a second, reminded that once again, his stepsister was the strangest thirteen year old he’s ever met. He raised the sandal and slapped down, and with a quick satisfying squish, the ordeal was over. He lifted the sandal up and showed his siblings the squashed spider.
“Ew,” Will and Eleven said simultaneously, mild disgust evident in their voices.
“What in the hell are you kids screaming about?” Hopper grumbled, walking into the room half-asleep. Joyce sighed, smiling as she shook her head.
“Eleven found a spider in her room, and the boys were trying to kill it for her.”
“It was big!” Eleven tried to justify as she looked at her father apologetically. Hopper just chuckled, ruffling her hair as she remained in Joyce’s embrace.
“Well, the whole house is up now,” Joyce said, looking at her husband with a smile. “I’ll get Jonathan to help us make some breakfast. Who’s up for some waffles?”
Eleven nodded her head vigorously, causing Joyce to laugh.
“Other than Eleven?”