The Protector

The Weirdo on Maple Street Part 2

When Maddie finally got to school she immediately found Jonathan and they walked in together. Even though Maddie looked like a total train wreck at the moment she did not care at all. She would do anything to help find Will, no matter what.

Jonathan and Maddie made their way through the halls were people looked at them non-stop, some gossiping and others glaring. Maddie payed no attention to anyone and walked straight to the bulletin board in the hallway. Maddie was on the left of Jonathan hanging up one of the flyers while Jonathan copied her action. That was until Nancy approached them with a sad smile on her face making Maddie angrier then she already was.

"Hey", Nancy said softly to Jonathan who also replied with a quiet "Hey". "I just... I wanted to say, you know, um.., I'm sorry about everything", Nancy stated before Jonathan looks up to see Barb, Steve, Tommy, and Carol all looking at them. Nancy then continues, "Everyone's thinking about you. It sucks". Jonathan only responded by saying "Yeah", however Nancy did not get the memo and kept talking. "I'm sure he's fine. He's a smart kid", Nancy said with a small sigh. "Yeah he is", Jonathan stated with a small smile. "Good luck", Nancy said before Jonathan moved on the other side of Maddie to hang a flyer.

"Hey Addie. Can we talk really quick? You didn't answer the phone last night and it's about Steve", Nancy stated with a giggle. "Sorry Nancy I'm busy", Maddie said before trying to walk away but as stubborn as Nancy is she grabbed her arm before Maddie could leave. "Hey, what's wrong? You always answer the phone and you never call me Nancy. Is everything okay?", Nancy questioned worried. "No Nancy nothing is okay. My brother is missing and I wasn't there for him. My mom is at her breaking point and Hopper is not letting me do anything to help", Maddie starts only for Nancy to cut in. "Addie we are here for you Steve and I. We're here-". "No you're not Nancy!", Maddie shouted angrily causing Nancy's eyes to open wider in shock.

"Because last night your phone line was backed up which was expected because you are most likely talking to Barbara like you do every night. I tried the thing I thought might gain your attention by reaching out to Mike a sobbing mess trying to ask for you. He tried to get your attention but you wouldn't listen and you ignored him. I mean who did you actually think was on the walkie, Dustin or Lucas? Why would they ask for you and why would Mike say it was an emergency? But I needed you yesterday more than I ever have before. I needed you", Maddie said her voice breaking with every word she said. "Addie", Nancy stated softly with guilt and shock present. "No. I have to go", Maddie said walking away. Nancy stood in the middle of the hallway stunned and upset that she left Maddie feeling alone at such a vulnerable time for her before walking back towards Steve.

Maddie walked towards her car still upset and angry from her outburst just moments ago. Jonathan came up behind her and gave her a large hug before starting his journey to Lonnie's house. Maddie was supposed to stay with her mom to make sure she doesn't break down even worse but she had a small stop to make first.

The first thing she heard when she walked into the Wheeler's home was Mike asking someone if they wanted something to drink. "We have OJ, skim milk... what else? Um we have", Mike started to say before adding, "Oh, this is my living room, it's mostly for watching TV. Nice right? It's a 22-inch. That's like, ten times bigger than Dustin's", Mike said happily while Eleven slowly walked to the picture shelf containing photographs of all three Wheeler children. "Pretty", Eleven stated while looking at a photo of Nancy. "I guess", Mike said a little grossed out.

"Pretty", Eleven said looking past Mike and running into the arms of Maddie. "Pretty", Eleven repeated pointing at Nancy and then to Maddie. "Pretty", Maddie responded pointing to Eleven with a smile causing Eleven to blush and look down.

"Aren't you supposed to be in school Mikey?", Maddie questioned with a small smirk. "Aren't you?", Mike shot back quickly. "Touché", Maddie said with a small smile. "Anyway that's my sister Nancy. And that's baby Holly. And those are my parents. What are your parents like? Do they live close?", Mike questioned. Instead of answering his questions Eleven proceeded to look at the chair that belongs to Ted Wheeler. "That's our La-Z-Boy. It's where my dad sleeps. You can try it if you want. Yeah. it's fun. Just trust me okay?", When Eleven nodded Mike pulled the lever to release the chair Mike chuckled while Eleven laughed nervously. "See? Fun, right? Now you try", Mike stated as Maddie watched over the two happy kids with a smile as Eleven pulled the lever herself and laughed along with Mike.