Not Just Another Number

Can't Go Back

Sarah's POV

I shut my car door and shove my hands into my pockets. I look up at the tall building. The lab's white walls send shivers down my spine. My fingers twitch for something to hold, or something to burn. We're just here for Will's check up, nothing more, nothing less. We'll be in and out, hopefully.

The sound of a car stopping makes me look up. I watch Hopper's truck park in front of my car. Mom, Will, and Johnathan walk up beside me. Hopper climbs out of his truck, swinging the car door closed. He nods at us before walking up to the doors.

My hands start shaking, but I swallow my fear. "Sarah?" I hear Will say next to me. I look over at him and give him a fake smile, but he obviously sees through it.

"You okay?" He asks, walking with me. I nod quickly and swallow the spit in my mouth. "Of course Will. Just weird being here again. You don't need to worry about me." I reassure him.

He slowly nods his head, messing with his fingers. I frown down at him, feeling bad. Shit, I made him feel more nervous that he already is. I pat him on the shoulder and give him a reassuring smile. "Will, there's no need to worry. They changed this place up, so I've been told. It's just a simple check up too. That's not scary, right?"

"I guess you're right." He sighs. I smile and pat his shoulder again, before stopping with everyone else at the front desk. "Hi, we're here to see Dr.Owens." Hopper says.

"I'm right here." Says a voice to our right. Dr.Owens steps out of the elevator, smiling at us. It does nothing to help with my nerves. I rub my arms, holding myself tightly. "Hi, I'm Dr.Owens. And you must be the Byers." He says, shaking Mom and Hopper's hands.

Hopper blushes and shakes his head. Huh, have to ask about that later. "No, just a friend." He says. Owens apologizes and moves to shake Johnathan's hand. When he gets to me, I reluctantly shake his hand. "You must be?"

"Sarah." I reply curtly, giving him a tight smile. He glances down at my hand, but I retract my arm before he can see my number. He moves to shake Will's hand, finally finishing with introductions. I rub my hands, feeling them heat up a little. C'mon Sarah, keep it under control! Owens looks back at Hopper and gestures to the elevator.

"Well, I'll show you all to the room we're going to be doing the check up. If you'll follow me." He says, walking into the elevator. We follow him inside.

I walk over to the back corner and sigh. I rub my eyes and try to calm my breathing. I already feel the headache coming. "Sarah?" I hear Mom ask. I feel her place her hand on my shoulder.

I look up at her, raising my eyebrow. "Are you okay sweetie? I know you don't like being here, do you want to go out to the car?" She asks. I put my hand on hers, willing it to cool down for at least a moment, and shake my head. I give her a small smile. So many fake smiles. I don't think I can keep this up all day.

"I'm fine Mom. And I wanna stay. Just need a little time." I reassure her. She nods, but the concerned look in her eyes doesn't go away. The elevator dings, cutting through the awkward silence.

Owens leads us down hall after hall. He smiles and waves one of his hands. "After the events of last year, we have tried fixing this lab. We're working on getting rid of everything this place stood for." He reassures us.

I nod as I look around. All of the doors are closed and most likely locked. So many kids, so little life. I rub my arms and shake my head, trying to get rid of my jitters.

We turn one more corner before walking up to the only door in the hall way. It's at the very end of the hall, and it's open wide open. I stop right in front of the door while the others go in, and I feel my hands go numb.