Dark Phoenix: Into The Stranger Verse (Stranger Things)

CHAPTER 20

Chapter 20: The Rescue And The Parasite

SCOOPS Troop walked side by side as they reentered the full movie theater. While Dustin hurried back to his original seat, Jean stopped in her tracks once she saw two vacant ones in the front, so she immediately sat down. Steve who was a few paces behind her was about to drop and sit beside her, but he was beaten to the punch by Erica who quickly plopped down beside Jean.

Steve paused and stared at the younger girl who just stole the seat he so desperately wanted to be in -by Jean's side, especially after their almost kiss in the bathroom stall.

Robin had to hide her amusement, covering her mouth with her palm and faking a cough before walking away to sit next to Dustin.

Jean turned her head up to see a very displeased Steve standing on his feet, his hands rested against his hips, as if silently telling Erica to get up. But the ten year old wasn't planning on moving. She looked up to the frustrated guy and waved a dismissive hand at him. "Go on. You're blocking the movie." She sassily told him before averting her gaze back to the film.

Jean couldn't help but giggle upon seeing the look Steve had, it could only be interpreted as; I'm never having kids if that's what they're really like. She sent him a sympathetic smile, but he just huffed and turned around. He then stomped like an angry child and plopped down by himself, begrudgingly waiting for the movie to be over.

Jean followed him with her eyes and smiled giddily to herself as she redirected her attention back to the screen.

"So," Erica Sinclair began, snapping Jean from her romantic thoughts. She whipped her head in her direction, perking a brow.

"You have superpowers." Erica stated.

Jean pursed her lips. "Umm.."

Erica turned to her and declared how she knew. "Dustin told me."

The redhead exhaled sharply, awaiting for the younger girl's nervously response. "And?"

"And I'm disappointed."

Jean furrowed her eyebrows at her, her face scrunched in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You could've done so much with yourself. Become a famous mentalist or something. Do you know how much money they make? Instead you're babysitting a ten year old." Erica incredulously spoke, and a hint of mockery could be detected in her tone.

Jean chuckled. Although the girl's words held truth to them, she'd never considered utilizing her powers for her own personal gain. It seemed morally wrong to her for some reason. "I happen to like hanging out with you." She chirped, displaying a sickly sweet smile gracious her cheeks.

Erica turned away, a ghost of a smile on her lips. She, too enjoyed Jean's company, and now she thought she was even more cool when she found out about her abilities -not that she'd ever tell her.

"I know." She confidently said.

~~~

Once the movie was over, they had to wait for the perfect time to exit, Dustin peeked outside the theater doors with a jagged breath, and once he saw the large number of people roaming the hallways, he knew it was go time.