Chapter 23 : Host family

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Constance and Jane were woken up in the middle of the night by Hopper. Apparently, a family accepted to give them a room for some nights. Constance was surprised that someone accepted to take care of them, she was sure only Jane would find someone. They arrived in the chief's office and saw a woman with brown hair that they already knew.

- "Hi Joyce," yawned Jane.

- "Hey sweetheart, how are you?" smiled the mother.

- "Our home burned because I didn't take my teddy bears with me..."

- "Jane, this is not your fault," intervened Constance.

- "Indeed," told Hopper. "Three other residents decided to do something like...a satanic ceremony in their room, but the candles burnt their curtains, then their beds, and then the entire building. Believe me, this is not your fault, ok?"

Jane nodded.

- "So, take your stuff, I've a room for both of you," smiled Joyce.

- "You're taking us with you!?" stated happily Jane.

- "Yes sweetheart, Jonathan, Will, and I are happy to help you."

Jane made small jumps before taking her sister in her arms. Constance had a weak smile on her face. Being take in pity wasn't making her happy, and she was beginning to think that this woman was being a bit clingy with them. Why couldn't she let them live their lives!? They didn't ask her anything, why was she doing that!? She wouldn't say anything because it was going to freeze outside, and Constance didn't want Jane to sleep like that ever again.

The two girls took their bags and followed the woman. They arrived at her house where Will and Jonathan were waiting for them. Dog entered and began to sniff the Byers' dog.

- "Um...Hi," said Jonathan. "We're sorry for...you know...the fire and all."

- "Yeah, it sucks," answered Constance.

- "Well, if you need anything, uh, you just need to ask."

- "Yeah. Thanks."

- "Uh, let me show you your room," smiled Joyce.

The mother walked in her corridor followed by Constance and then Jane who waved to Will. Joyce opened the last door on their left. There were two beds, one against the wall on the left and the other against the wall on the right, under a window. Against the wall in front of the door were a long desk with two chairs, and on the right of the door were a wardrobe.

- "It's not much but-"

- "There are two beds!" stated happily Jane.

- "Yeah, two beds," chuckled Joyce.

Jane ran to the one on the left, then jumped on the one on the right.

- "Look! We've so much space!" said the brown head.

- "I see," weakly smiled Constance.

- "This is so better than the welcome center! Maybe my Teddy bears burnt the center for a good reason."

- "Jane..."

- "I know, but still. I like this room, a lot, thank you Joyce."

- "No problem. I give you some time to get to know this new whole place."

Joyce warmly smiled to them before closing the door to let them alone.

- "Don't get too comfy here, we're not staying for life," said Constance.

- "I know, but look, I have my own bed, and Joyce is really nice with us, I mean, maybe we could stay a moment, until she is done with us?"

- "She doesn't seem to be the kind to be done with people."

- "And, what's the problem?"

- "There is no problem, choose you bed and finish your night, ok?"

- "Ok..." sighed Jane.

Jane looked at the two beds with a smile and decided to choose the one on the left. The two girls installed their stuff and spent their first night with the Byers.

The breakfast was a bit awkward. Not for Jane and Will who seemed happy to see each other in the morning, but Jonathan and Joyce could tell that Constance wasn't very happy to be here. She was upset, it was like a failure for her, like if she couldn't take care of Jane correctly, no matter what, like if her family was born to be destroyed! She didn't want to lose Jane. She didn't want this woman to take her away from her.

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