Wrong Place, Wrong Time

-11-

Typing the number into the phone from the piece of paper, I place it to my ear. Hearing the rings I wait with anticipation, eagerly waiting until I hear a soft, "Hello."

"Hi this is (Y/n), is this the Byer's residence?" I say into the phone, my heart skipping a beat with hope I typed the number correctly. Imagine how awkward it would be if I didn't. What do I do if I got it wrong?

"Yes this is, it's Joyce! How are you doing?"

"Oh hi, Joyce. After a hot shower and sleeping in a real bed, I feel good."

"I'm sure you aren't calling to catch up, what can I help you with. Jonathan is at his internship but I can leave him a message for you."

"No no no, I am not calling for him. I was just wondering if you know where Max is. I would go knock on her door but you know..."

"Yes of course honey, I understand. Hopper did say that Max and El went to the mall, so I would check there."

"Thanks, Joyce, have a good day."

"You too honey, by now."

Placing the phone on the receiver I swiftly go get ready. For the first time, I get enough courage to get a good look at myself. Seeing myself in the mirror was odd for me. My hands shakily run cautiously over my face. The plate that Billy broke on my head left a nasty scar across my face. It starts from my right eyebrow down to my right cheek. Well isn't there a saying like 'scars or it didn't happen'. Oh well, it makes me look a bit cooler, though. Battle scars.

Once I finished getting ready my feet move quickly outside. I pass Billys' house, not wanting to look to see if he was home or not. The plan is to avoid him at any cost, at ANY cost. Remember that (Y/n). Who knows what I will do if I see him again, round 2? All I want to do though is see the girls, and have a little girl time to catch up.

Wait.

I don't even know where this stupid mall is. It can't be that hard. The last time that I went for a walk I met Dustin, so luck is on my side. Minutes turned into an hour as I walked, noticing that the traffic was getting heavier. With luck on my side, I see the mall come into view. Laughing I enter the shopping center, taking in the view. Plus taking in the air conditioning to cool me off from my hot walk. All the busyness reminds me of back home, where there was so much more population in the city.

Now, to find the girls.

Going through about 10 stores I got bored, no sign of the girls anywhere. Maybe Joyce got the details mixed up. What if they are already gone and I look like a creep looking around. For a second I was going to turn around, that was until I saw bright red hair. Max was at an ice cream parlor with someone else. Joyce did say it was Eleven, looks like we get to meet each other again.

Quickly I walk up to her, "Well well well, who do we have here."

Both heads turn to look at me as if they were in trouble before Max crushes me for a hug. Her little arms grasp onto me as if I was going to disappear again. "I'm right here Max, you don't need to send me back to the hospital," I laugh.

"Sorry," She quickly releases. "I just missed you a lot, it hasn't been the same without you. How are you by the way? You're not like hurting anywhere?"

"Max I am perfect, there is no need to worry. How are you guys, how are your boyfriends?"

"Just stupid boys, right El?"

"Right." El agrees with the redhead. "Just stupid boys."

"Boy troubles, hmmm? Do explain," I look between the two.

Robins POV

Rolling my eyes I look at the two boys in front of me. They were both arguing about the Russian code, trying to prove that they are right. Steve was just trying to be louder than Dustin while Dustin was just making nonsense. A ring at the front counter made me thankful to leave those two alone for a while.

"Welcome to Scoops Ahoy, how may I help you?" I ask the customer across the counter.

"Can I get a scoop of the blue moon in a cone," the child says slipping me a few bills to pay for it.

"Sure thing buddy, great choice."

Placing the scoops of delectable cream in a cone, I happily hand the kid his treat. He happily takes it, enjoying it as he leaves the parlor. Shaking my head I rub out the headache that is now forming, probably from the two idiots in the back. Can't wait to go back.

My eyes shift around the customers that have found a seat inside. Glancing around I see a new female that I haven't seen around. She was talking to two younger girls, friends of Dustins and Steves I think. Taking a good look at the girl I see that she was pretty frail, wobbling as she talked to the kids. Another thing was that her hair was pretty long, like she hasn't taken care of herself in a while. Like she was in a hospital or something.

Hold on.

Turning quickly on my heels I head in the back, crossing my arms as I face the young boy. His eyes trail up to me, a confused look on his face. I tap my foot to add a dramatic feel to the moment.

"When were you going to tell the class?" I question him.

Dustin looks between Steve and me, "What are you talking about Robin?"

"You would constantly talk about her. Yet here we are without any knowledge that she is here, awake and thriving. Thought you were better than this Dustin."

"Well because of the Russians! They could be planning something! You see I have gotten a little distracted."

"Can you guys tell me what is going on?" Steve asks, running his hand through his hair. "Like Robin said, please share with the class."

"No...."

"Dustin," I snap. "Don't do this to his poor old heart."

"Steve please don't hate me..."

"Do you know a (height) (hair color) girl?"

Steve's face scrunches up a bit before a smile comes to his lips, getting the hints finally. Kicking the chair back he swiftly leaves the backroom. Dustin and I quickly move too, peeking through the window to watch the reunion. Seeing Steve run up to the girl was like watching a kid in a candy shop. He says her name, making her turn towards him. Her face brightens more than it was, letting Steve pick her up in a hug and swing her around. This moment felt like a princess movie, a perfect moment for both of them.

"That is so cute," Dustin says shaking his head.

I smack his head, "You left the information out that she woke up. You were the one that was supposed to tell him!"

"Geez, I am sorry."

Shaking my head I turn back to the recorder that Dustin has been using for the Russian code. Letting my brain process everything that it was saying. The pair's laughter could be heard through the walls as they reunited, making a small smile come to my lips. My head turns to the whiteboard with my tallies on it. For a while, I just stare at it, before getting up and putting a tally on the 'you rule' side. Steve has been talking about this girl for a while now, their battle stories together. About time he has someone that actually has a good chance for him.