The New Girl

chapter eight

chapter eight - november, 1983

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"Okay, remember," Mike said as he, Alex, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven hurried through the empty corridors of Hawkins Middle School, "if anyone sees us, look sad."

"Attention students," said a voice echoing in the PA, "there will be an assembly to honour Will Byers in the gymnasium now. Do not go to fourth period." Alex glanced at Mike and the five of them ran to the AV room, Alex holding onto Eleven's hand. Alex walked up to the door and tried to open it before groaning.

"It's locked," she said, looking back at the boys.

"What?" Lucas asked.

"Al, do you think you can open it?" Dustin asked as Alex looked at him, "with your powers?"

"I can try," she said. She faced the door and her hands glowed red and just she was about to unlock the door, a voice distracted her.

"Alex? Boys?"

Alex's hid her hands behind her back as she looked up at Mr. Clarke, hoping he didn't see anything.

"Hey," Lucas said.

"Assembly's about to start," Mr. Clarke said as Eleven looked at Alex, confused.

"We know," Mike said nodding, "we're just, you know. . . ."

". . . .upset," Alex finished, a sad look on her face that she hoped was believable.

"Yeah, definitely upset," Dustin added nodding.

"We need some alone time," Mike said as Alex nodded.

"To, to cry," Alex added as Mr. Clarke looked at them with sympathy.

"Yeah, listen," he said as they looked at him, " I get it. I do. I know how hard this is, but let's just be there for Will, huh? And then. . . ." he got the keys to the locked door out of his pocket and tossed them to Mike who easily caught them. ". . . .the Heathkit is all yours for the rest of the day. What do you say?" Before any of the four children could answer, Mr. Clarke noticed Eleven. "I don't believe we've met," he said as Alex's eyes went slightly wide, "what's your name?"

"Eleven. . . ." Eleven began but Alex cut her off.

"Eleanor!" Alex said, earning a look from Eleven, "she's my sister. She's here for Will's funeral."

"Ah, well, welcome to Hawkins Middle, Eleanor," Mr. Clarke said, "I wish you were here under better circumstances."

"Thank you," Eleven said as Alex and Mike exchanged subtle glances.

"Uh, where are you from exactly?" Mr. Clarke asked.

"Seattle," Alex said before anyone could speak. "She lived with our Uncle but is staying for Will's funeral." Mr. Clarke nodded.

"We'll, it's nice that you're here for your sister and her friends," Mr. Clarke said as Eleven nodded. "Shall we?"

"Yep!" Lucas said and they all walked towards the gym.

"Nice save," Mike whispered to Alex who smiled lightly.

"Thanks," she whispered back.

"At times like these," came the the voice of the Principle, "it is important that we come together as a community. We come. . . ." but he stopped talking when Dustin slammed the doors open and everyone stared at them.

"Abort," said Dustin and the five of them turned around and tried to leave, but Mr. Clarke stopped them from leaving. Alex and Mike exchanged looks as they made their way up to the bleachers where they all sat together, Alex sitting in between Mike and Eleven.