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The party has always treated the Wheeler's basement as a comfort place for all of their shenanigans. From playing Dungeons & Dragons, to sleepover and there are so many more things to do in that basement. It has been filled with too many memories from all of them, really. Some good and some bad. It’s also quite an achievement that despite fights and their constant bickering with each other, they still stick together. It’s 6 or none.Everything started out as four, then it turned into six and after years of being with them, having them as their personal babysitters, they could definitely tell that these teenage babysitters were also starting to become a member of them. Who would’ve thought huh?Mike’s basement isn’t really spacious for people more than six. Eight will do but another set of 6 teenagers nearing their adulthood doesn’t like the idea of being all squeezed up in a basement filled with board games and screams coming from people younger than them so as a request from the majority, all of them would have fun in the Byers since Joyce permits to it and she doesn’t really mind since she’s going to spend her night with Karen. Just to take a break from work.Yes, instead of suffocating under Mike’s basement, they would have the house all to themselves. How wonderful is that? Yet to be fair, Jonathan would be taking care of the house. Not too fun, after all. However, none of them mind. They would only eat and then watch movies then sleep or sometimes even sneak out during the silence of the night. Depends on what’s a good plan, really.For the past five minutes, Eleven has been staring at a place far from her. She would blink at the void and the void would blink back at her. No one really noticed her zoning out to her thoughts as everyone was busying themselves by having fun around the house. Her girlfriend, Max, was tagged along by Dustin and Lucas to play whatever board game they found. Nancy and Robin were helping Jonathan and Argyle with dinner. It’s important to never skip your meals.Eleven tilts her head a bit to see Steve and Eddie at a corner near Mike and Will, teaching both of them how to play the guitar. She smiled at the view of everyone.She hung her head low, seconds after she took in the view to check on everyone and what they were doing. Still, she continued to stare at a constant state of nothingness or rather stare at her pillow but this time, she was fiddling with her hands. As if she was nervous about her thoughts or something else. No one could really tell. None of them cared enough to actually know.Accidentally, she breathed a sigh of frustration that had it’s volume way up than she expected because soon enough, the attention was on her. Different pairs of eyes staring at Eleven. She felt uncomfortable. None of them said a word yet she could still feel their stares at her despite her head being hung low, her eyes trying its best to not stare back at them.Having no choice but to face them, Eleven looked up and like what she had expected almost everyone was sharing looks. Some of concern, some of curiosity. And when she looked back at them, each of them tried their best to pretend as if they haven’t been staring at her. She wanted to laugh at that.“El, you okay?” Her head turned to Dustin who approached her together with Max and Lucas. Eleven didn’t even waste a second to nod. “I'm fine. I just…I…”“You….what?” She smiled at her girlfriend who mirrored the expression with a lack of energy. Atleast there was a smile coming out from her even though they haven’t been speaking to each other for a day now because she and her got into a fight.“I have something to give to all of you.” Eleven finally got to finish her sentence. Everyone was already eavesdropping, not even trying to hard the fact that they were shamelessly listening to every word that Eleven had to say. Couldn’t really help it especially when you’re a curious cat.“Really, El?” Steve asks, his eyes searching for Eddie’s.“Yeah, really. All of you have a walkman or any kind of tape player, right?” Immediately, their eyebrows furrowed confusion, wanting to ask a question towards Eleven. Before any of them got to open their mouths, Eleven spoke once again.“I just thought I'd give you a voicemail instead of a letter because I enjoyed recording myself.” She shyly said.“But you didn’t have to.” Argyle cooed and the rest of them agreed, already throwing themselves at her for a hug.“I know. I know. But I wanted to.” Eleven voiced out between the squeezing hug. A smile evident of her face.“You really are an angel, Eleven. I wonder why you would date Max out of everyone though.” Eleven giggled. Max groaned and Mike felt satisfied. Staying in that position for a few seconds almost caused Eleven to lose the air that she has been breathing for years.Once the hug broke out, Eleven quickly rushed upstairs to open her room and get the tapes. She took one last close look at all of it before handing them out as soon as she stepped outside of her room and reached the kitchen to give it to Nancy, Robin, Jonathan and Argyle too. She handed those tapes out like they were letters that she wrote weeks ago and only had the chance to give it to them tonight. She couldn’t miss the opportunity.Max still wouldn’t talk to her properly though only one word responses that tasted bland but she felt happy when the gorgeous redhead planted a kiss on her cheeks. God, she missed her so much. So much that she would do anything just for Max but tonight simply isn’t the right timing, she thought. Max should enjoy the night instead of spending her time trying to fix her relationship with Eleven. There’s always another lifetime. Or a next life. Whatever that’s called.There would always be a next time, right? Hopefully, there is a next time with you, Max.As soon as she handed out the tape to Will, she felt slender arms drape over her body as she got wrapped into Will's embrace. He kept on thanking her and Eleven only had a huge grin on her face. Will would always be her adorable brother that sometimes she couldn’t stand because he’s too sassy but she enjoyed his presence just like how she enjoys her presence too.
Thank you, William.
Confusion. Mike embodied the word confusion whilst he held the tape in his hands. He had a lot of questions running through his mind. Sometimes, it’s a curse to have a friend as genius as him. She was grateful for having him in her life, nonetheless. Her life wouldn’t be the same without Michael Wheeler even though he can really get annoying at times.
Take care of yourself, and take care of Will.
Their first meeting with each other didn’t really define the word good to both of them. Lucas hated Eleven at first glance and Eleven couldn’t really blame him. She was easy to hate which made her an easy target for cruel tactics. Eleven couldn’t really believe that she was hugged by Lucas. They have hugged a couple of times already but she thought he was only forced to do so because people are around them. Right now, she doesn’t give a shit if it was only for show to impress anyone or everyone but Eleven certainly enjoyed that hug after she handed out the tape.
Have fun with everything left behind, Lucas.
Dustin Henderson, not so much of a toothy person. Eleven handed out the letter to him and he made that signature expression of his where he would growl and show his teeth. At first, Eleven found it disturbing bur as time went by, she got used to it and eventually came to a realization that he is indeed such a cutie pie.
I'll miss you, Dustin.
Reaching Eddie’s and Steve's spot where they were about to make out, Eleven felt as if she invaded something she shouldn’t have. She felt as if she did something she shouldn’t have done but it doesn’t matter now, does it? She gave them both the tapes, awkwardly smiled and hugged the two of them. They hugged her back and she waved at them before gripping tightly onto the tapes to go to the kitchen for the other remaining people left.Eddie and Eleven had met way back and to Eleven, Eddie is one of the coolest people she has ever meet in her entire life. It might be an exaggeration but she simply thinks that it’s the truth. Eddie was cool the moment they met each other under unexpected circumstances and Eddie is still cool now that she and him have gotten to know each other better.
Keep on playing the guitar, Eddie.
Steve watched her figure disappear into the kitchen. Eleven never thought that she would give him of these tapes because he was never the kind to do something unexpected but maybe the saying is true, maybe first impressions never do last.
See you around, Steve.
Eleven panted noisily on purpose to catch their attention and when she successfully made all of them turn their attention towards her, they shared a group hug, forgetting that they actually had to cook something for dinner before they proceed onto the night. The hug didn’t last long but it was enough for Eleven to be content about their affection. Argyle was the closest one to her but she’s actually glad that all of them are trying their best to befriend Eleven despite not knowing her for a long time. Everything just happened suddenly.“I love you guys.”She whispered faintly but quiet enough for them to hear what she has to say. She didn’t see how their eyes twinkled with happiness when they heard her say it because after handing out the tapes to them that once occupied both of her hands and is now empty, Eleven ran off to the living room and join the others as they wait for them to finish heir business at the kitchen.Soon enough, the sentimental moment evaporated into the air once they all started to do what they needed to do but Robin couldn’t really help but smile at it all because she and Eleven were never really close yet the younger girl still included her in it. Thoughtful. Thoughtful Eleven.
Always be yourself, Robin.
Alongside Robin, Jonathan couldn’t also help that he was given a tape. A side of him believes that Eleven only included him simply because he was her stepbrother which might be true but he has watched too many shows with his boyfriend, Argyle about siblings not being properly loved by people who claim to love them. Something like that. Eleven would definitely say that Jonathan isn’t the perfect brother but he's perfect enough to both her and Will as a brother that cares and loves and protects the two of them.
Thank you for being the father that we never had, Jonathan.
Nancy was doing her task with a faint smile on her face. Things may have ended for both Eleven and Mike, she felt nice to be aware that Eleven still considered her as someone important in her life. None of the people around her (except for her friends and girlfriend) ever tried to include her in anything. She always felt that she was an outcast for a certain reason. In some way, Eleven found comfort in her and she would always be thankful that she got to know Nancy Wheeler. Except, she wished she didn’t know some parts about her and her life.
I think I'll miss you, Nancy. Thank you for being my sister.
Argyle perfectly fitted in with their smiles because he was also smiling. His smile big and wide. He felt the feeling of happiness shimmy over him. That's what Eleven has always liked about Argyle, he was a funny dude that was kind enough to always drive them around. He was the closest friend that she’s got aside from the party. At first, she never thought they'd get along well but you know what they say, unexpected friendships are the best.
Never cut your hair, Argyle.
Eleven sat on the couch, she was all alone once again. She observed them for one last time and saw tapes scattered around. She was lucky enough to produce enough tapes before she starts drifting towards the other side.“Kids, dinner is ready!” Everyone hastily rushed to the table to eat. They were obviously hungry and wanted to eat already, except for Eleven who had other plans for tonight.“By kids do you include Steve and Eddie, too?” Lucas blurted out and his words sent Dustin into a chuckling mess. “Good one there, babe.”“You are so gross.”“You’re more disgusting, Mike.”Soon enough, they all started to throw teases at each other and the people who are quite older than them only watched them, amused. Robin caught Eleven staring from a far and called out of her, “Hey, El. Come and join us already.”Only one person seemed to pay attention towards their conversation. Max followed Robin's eyes and saw El hesitatingly smile. “I’ll join in later, I just have to do something upstairs. Wait for me!” She bolted off which left to Robin mouthing take care even though Eleven has already disappeared.Max's pair of eyes never left the spot where Eleven stood earlier. She felt uneasy and she didn’t even know why. She felt disturbed but quickly disregarded it. Hopefully, it’s just her sudden burst of anxiousness.However, she really did feel wrong. Uneasy. And she couldn’t grasp as to why. Or maybe she did but didn’t have enough courage to admit it to herself.
TRIGGER WARNING : SUICIDE, GORE. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Eleven felt sick. The pain was surreal.She stood in front of the mirror, examining her face. She looked at her face with disgust, with horror evident in her eyes. Eleven remembered how she liked to always look a herself in the mirror, she could still remember the fun times where Eleven and Max would do makeovers in front of this mirror, she could remember the moments where she and Max was still happy, where their relationship didn’t feel forced.Eleven smiled in front of the mirror. And soon enough, it was shattered to the ground. She doubts if anyone had heard it break given the fact that it was sound proof around here. Or at least that’s what she believed so.She kneeled down on the broken glass shattered around, her legs spewing blood as she could feel the agonizing pain approach her but she kept quiet. No sob, no tears, no screams. It hurt but not much as it had hurt her to watch everyone pretend like they actually cared about each other.A bitter laugh escaped her lips, Eleven stood up, glass falling around and some shards stuck inside her legs. A splinter type of wound. She didn’t mind it though. She opened her drawer and grabbed the sleeping pills she has stolen from her mother, she poured it all out and drank it all in one swallow.Her head started to swim in an ocean of fuzziness. She was starting to get dizzy but too far from getting unconscious and hit the ground. She grabbed a pen somewhere and a paper and wrote something with a smile.She has planned this for quite some time now, if her plan went well last year then there would be no glimpse of Eleven doing this in the present year but it’s too late to stop now. She has to finish what she has started. That’s what her mom would always tell her.Leaving the pen and paper onto the floor, Eleven grabbed a chunked part of the shattered glass on the floor and cut her skin. The weapon making her bleed. She felt a rush of adrenaline rush through her as she did it again. And again. Until she was satisfied.Eleven dropped by in front of the mirror once again. Her vision starting to black out. She stood there and the sharp glass that she was gripping onto tightly was now pointed at her throat. She chuckled.God, her sanity was leaving.She let out a few coughs of blood before slicing her throat in one swift second. She didn’t feel the urge to scream, neither did she have the urge to stop what she was doing. Not being satisfied with the slice on her throat, she stabbed it again and she felt herself fall to the ground. Her body falling onto the broken glass, making her blood scatter.She soon enough felt herself drowning into the darkness as soon as she felt her consciousness fade away. She never really thought she would succeed with her plan and neither did she ever thought that she would do it on a night where they were all supposed to hang out around their house. She wishes they would listen to her tapes because she has a lot to say. A lot. There’s simply a lot.People only remember her when it’s convenient, when they need something from her, a favor, anything. And she was able to walk past it, her emotions bottled up just like her anger. She always thought it was unfair how they all only remembered her when it was needed. She could have still lived a life longer than expected but her gasoline has ran out, there was no reason to stay around anymore.The floor was a mess, blood, pills, a letter, a pen, a broken mirror was on the floor where she laid down. Her body slowly coming to a halt with her breathing. That’s when she knew that she was supposed to go, that she has to go now. So she did. She would let go of everything now, all the pain, all the hurt that she has suffered for years.She closed her eyes. And breathed her last.She may have breathed her last but this wouldn’t be the last of her. This wouldn’t be the end of her story.
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Robin was starting to get worried sick now and so is Maxine who has been waiting for Eleven’s arrival from upstairs. It has approximately been 30 minutes and Steve has already finished his dinner. “Someone should probably go upstairs and check up on Eleven and remind her that she has to eat.” Max blurted out and everyone nodded in agreement.“Well, I can go with you two. I'm done with my dinner so, I can totally accompany you girls.” Steve suggested.“Shouldn’t you be making out by Eddie right now or something.” Max retorted which made a few of their friends snicker. Steve rolled his eyes.“Oh shut up, Mayfield. Let’s go check on your girlfriend now, alright? Stop it with the remarks.” He replied. Max only nodded and Robin led them way all the way upstairs. The voices from downstairs got drowned into the silence upstairs. It was eerily quiet.“Do you guys think maybe she’s asleep now? I couldn’t hear any movement or something. Or even rustling. There’s nothing to listen at. What do you think, Max? Do you think your girlfriend’s asleep now?” Robin mumbled out.Max gave her a shrug.“Your response is really helpful, Max.”“Thanks. I know.”The overflowing sarcasm from Max's mouth was a decoy to hide the fact that she was starting to get more worried about whatever the hell is going on. She had a bad feeling about something that she didn’t even know. Her tape was still in her hands. She didn’t want to let go of it. At all.Stopping at a familiar door, the three stood outside of Eleven's room and exchanged stares with each other. Max’s heart was pounding like crazy. “Should we knock?”“Of course we should knock.”“I didn’t mean it like that, Dingus. I meant if we should knock or should we wait for Eleven to go outside and call out for her name? I just don’t want to destroy anyone’s good night sleep.” Robin glanced at Steve and then to Max who looked pale. Really, really pale.“Max, you okay?” Max met Robin's eyes and quickly nodded her head. She sighs before speaking, “You should just open the door. El always leaves her door open three inches.”“Heyooo brochachos.” All of them simultaneously turned their heads to the new figures who have arrived upstairs too. “How’s Eleven?” Jonathan hastily asks.“I’m going inside.”Max didn’t wait any response coming from them anymore as she opened her door and she remembered Steve saying, “Jesus, Mayfi-“ before it was replaced with a deafening silence.Then, there was a sharp scream, coming out from Max.Max ran the distance between her and Eleven’s dead body on the cold floor, she held it as tears streaked down her cheeks. She hugged her body. It was cold, there was nothing left. No warmth.“El, no, no, no, no. Please no.”Mike and Dustin tried their best to grab Max away from Eleven in order to let Nancy search for a pulse and revive her by some miracle but the redhead wouldn’t let go. It was hard to separate her from Eleven. “Leave me alone!” She choked on a sob.“Max, please. We have to find a pulse.”She looked at Nancy, her eyes filled with tears and everything was blurry. Max soon found herself stuck in a corner as she watched Nancy try her best to find a pulse. From her wrist, to her neck and there was nothing that they could find.Hugs came out of nowhere and she eventually felt Lucas and Mike squeeze her into a tight hug. Will stood there, his mouth agape and there were tears. Jonathan was full on sobbing under Argyle’s embrace who tried to comfort him. Eddie looked away, too sick to even dare to look at what was going on and Robin was helping Nancy. Steve was back downstairs, unable to believe what he just saw.“One moment she’s here and in a blink of an eye, she’s gone…” He unbelievably muttered under his breath. He needed to drink. But he tried his best to run back up, his legs having this jelly-like feeling. As he made his way up to the room once again, he met a crying Will Byers, hugging the tape Eleven has given them earlier.He pulled the little Byers into a hug and soon enough he felt tears dampening his polo shirt.“T-there’s no pulse…” Nancy voiced out. Max freed herself from the hug and threw herself at Eleven’s body. It was starting to turn paler. A sign that she’s dead and there’s no return that they should expect from her.
You should’ve taken me with you.
She thought. Her jacket was now bloodied as she held Eleven's body close to her. In an attempt to feel her touch for one last time, in order to feel her skin against hers for one last time. Because there was absolutely no next time for them anymore.There was nothing else that they could do but sob. No matter how hard they would try, Eleven would never come back and that’s the part which hurts Max most. The part where she has to accept to herself that Eleven would never come back. She buried her nose into her body, still holding on even though there's nothing they could possibly do anymore. Fucking hell.“Eleven, no….” She whispered again. Her tone starting to break. She couldn’t bear it. She couldn’t bear with the thought of losing Eleven forever but here she is now, hugging her dead body close to her for one last time.
There’s no next time for us, El. No more next time for you and I.
But it wasn’t only the anguish that manage to exist in the room, there was also a familiar feeling of fear starting to emerge from their hearts because they could feel it. Max could feel it — this just isn’t the end. Perhaps, this was just only the beginning of a new found hellhole.And it scared her. Rightfully so.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A month. Exactly a month has passed after the incident and nothing stayed the same like it once was. Almost everything changed, from how frantic people can become whenever someone is late to how often they get flashbacks and nightmares from that exact same vision of the said incident.It has been a month since Eleven left. And today was her funeral.On that night, the last person to know about what happened was her mom — Joyce — who was busy hanging out with Mrs. Wheeler. Jonathan could still remember how his mother crumbled down in front of them while Steve, Eddie and Argyle offered assistance to her.Cold. No warmth, no pulse. Nancy told her while she leaned her head on Robin's shoulder, eyes bloodshot, face tear-stained. Everyone didn’t get to sleep that night and the following nights too. They had a hard time adjusting without Eleven being around. The only memory left behind was a letter and her tapes.Mike wanted to play the tape immediately after he saw Eleven’s lifeless body laying down on the floor but the letter that Eleven had penned moments ago from her death prevented him from doing it. He could recall how Max held onto it as tight as she could, hugging it as if the letter was Eleven herself.Devastating. Everyone was devastated. There was no reason to not be devastated. While the ambulance came in to get Eleven’s body, Max was there beside her the whole time, hugging her while Lucas and Dustin tried their best to pull her away from the hug.It has been a month but the pain still feels fresh. The wound is still bleeding. And everyone is quite aware that it wouldn’t stop anytime soon. Especially to people who have loved Eleven with the entirety of their hearts.Will eyed his sister’s body placed inside the casket. She wore the white dress that he, Eleven and Jonathan has picked for their upcoming prom. Instead of wearing it for the school event that Eleven has been anticipating for, she is wearing it for her funeral. For her last day above the earth.A stray tear rolls down his cheek. His sobs struggling to come out of his mouth because he has been trying his best to repress it. He didn’t want to make any noise. He wanted the silence to engulf him because there was nothing to be said anymore. His sister was gone, long gone. And he wasn’t there to protect her.“I miss her.” Max knew it was empty. Those words coming out from everyone's mouth as they greeted Mrs. Byers with an “I’m so sorry for your loss” to “I miss her” Max knew they were bullshit and that they didn’t mean it at all. She was aware of it. She has always been aware but she never did anything to stop it.“Assholes.” She looks up and sees Steve’s angry face, his hair not so neat. His face stressed out and his hands entangled with Eddie's. Max looks at them for a moment. Steve stares back at her. Eddie smiles at her. A big one. Trying to muster up all the remaining strength she has, Max returns the smile. A faint one. Steve smiles at her too.Max looks away and hungs her head low. If she had been there that night then maybe, hopefully, none of this would’ve happened. Maybe there would be no funeral held today and maybe, Eleven would’ve never missed prom. They would dance and kiss. If only, she was there to prevent it. But she wasn’t there. She wasn’t there.A part of her blames herself for what had happened and she refuses to take knowledge of it because it only makes her feel a twinge of guilt and Max hated that feeling. She hated feeling constantly suffocated by that feeling because it would only make her think about what she could’ve done to protect Eleven. Guilt that never leaves her alone.Argyle and Jonathan were outside, smoking. Apparently, this is how Jonathan has been coping for a while now. Smoking. Joyce doesn’t like the idea of it but she allows it simply because she knows Jonathan needs it. He can’t remember when he started doing it but he knew it was Argyle who introduced him to doing this activity.The other boy puffs out a smoke before he cuts the thick silence that surrounded both of them, “Do you want to leave?” Jonathan blinks. Once. Twice. He can’t believe how his boyfriend is asking him this question and he also cannot believe how he immediately said yes to him.As much as he loves Eleven, it was painful to see her lifeless and pale. He would rather do anything than have to see his sister get buried six feet underground. He didn’t like to know that his sister was dead. Between Eleven and Will, Jonathan has always been closer to Will but he could feel that Eleven understood him more. And he didn’t know why but maybe it’s because Eleven can see directly through you. She can easily sense your hardships and she would try to understand you even if you cannot understand yourself. Maybe that’s what was the connection that he had with Eleven. Now, it’s gone. And he couldn’t bear it at all.There were only a few family and friends left as to everyone was gradually starting to leave after Eleven’s body had been buried and after the prayer. Joyce has been spending her entire time with Karen and everyone has their own worlds. Also, Mrs. Byers told them that they were free to leave whenever they wanted to because it was all over.Everyone could sense that there was anger in her, for a reason they couldn’t grasp of.Mike has been staring at the ground blankly, he feels as if he has stared at it for an eternity but he was sure he had only been staring at it for atleast 5 minutes. Will sat beside him, his eyes on the ground where Eleven has been buried. None of them has talked to each other since.Still having his head hung low, Mike reaches out for Will’s hand. When he feels his skin, he doesn’t hesitate to hold it. He holds it like his life depended on it. He missed holding Will. He missed Will, in general. He missed him so much that he was bursting in happiness when he felt Will's fingers intertwine with his.Suddenly, Will clears his throat and Mike looks at him, “I’m sorry.” For what I have done. It was all Will could say. He could’ve added more to his words but he didn’t. He couldn’t. He only spoke of that phrase and didn’t look at Mike. Mike didn’t need to know what he was sorry for because he knew Will never did anything wrong. He didn’t partake in any fault that he probably has been feeling.Mike didn’t reply and only pulled Will into a hug, a kiss landing on the little Byers' forehead. For a moment, everything felt right for the two of them.In a distance, Robin and Nancy held hands. The only person who could provide tranquility to Nancy is Robin. She often had nightmares from that night and she would call Robin for help. Just by listening to her voice, Nancy feels so much more at peace. Robin, however, has been lying to her girlfriend about how she has been doing. She didn’t want Nancy to worry about her so whenever she felt like an information would slip out of her mouth, she would kiss Nancy.It was a dick move but she can’t really do anything about her actions. All she wants is Nancy to feel better about the situation. She didn’t want her girlfriend having to worry about the nightmares from the night Eleven has killed herself.A part of her blames Eleven for what has been happening. A part of her is angry at Eleven for what she has caused but a part of her also understands, understands why Eleven would’ve done that. Nancy and her were still inside the chapel, Nancy was praying and Robin was staring at her. Her lips curving into a small smile.Even when praying, Nancy still looked beautiful.Just like Jonathan and Argyle, both Lucas and Dustin were also nowhere to be seen. The two of them has left already. Their situation isn’t also any easier than everyone's because whenever Lucas would close his eyes, his memory brings him back to that moment. It was a lot more worse than nightmares.Dustin's sleeping situation was strange because he wouldn’t have nightmares nor flashbacks. Instead, he would get a memory where he invades it. Where instead of teasing Mike that night, he was there when Eleven did it. He had prevented it. And it would make him smile but it would soon fade away once he looks away, the scene dissolving into the view of Eleven’s body, laying on the floor, bleeding terribly.Lucas and Dustin were at Dustin’s house, talking like two normal teenagers who loves to pretend as if nothing had ever happened, as if everything was normal, everything was okay because it was so much simpler that way. It was so much simpler than the reality that they had to face that night and the following nights. Everything was so much easier back then.Oh how they wish they could go back. And save Eleven. And probably save Eleven. An echo.The letter written a month ago was a letter that has been etched in everyone’s head. None of them could forget about the letter and Max still has it. Blood stains all over it. Dear Everyone,
Please do not blame yourself. And thank you for everything that you have done for me. I am sorry if I couldn’t go on any longer. I love you all. Thank you.
P.S let mom pick whenever my funeral is going to be held and listen to the tapes after my funeral.
Love,
Eleven
It was an unusual letter. The length wasn’t what Max anticipated for but it was what Eleven has written, her last request, her last letter and it was her last night. Max still couldn’t believe how everything happened so fast that she didn’t get to spend the last moment with Eleven like how she has always promised to.Max bitterly smiles as she gets up from her chair, walking away from all the ruckus and pain that somehow Eleven has managed to cause. She doesn’t blame her at all because she has always known. She blames herself for knowing but not doing anything.A part of her simply believes that maybe it was all her fault. Even if she refuses to think about it, it always comes back and haunts her. It tells her that everything could’ve been prevented if she was only there to help her.It was hard to not blame herself. Especially when she knew all about it. She has promised to protect Eleven and to always be there for her whenever she need someone but promises were always meant to be broken. She knew that. Eleven simply needed them to stop, she begged for them to stop whatever they have been doing but none of them listened. Everything could’ve turned out nicely if only if they had tried to listen to her but they didn’t, leaving her no choice but to execute what she has been planning for a long time now.They wouldn’t listen to her but perhaps now they would listen to what she has to say through her tapes because she always had something to say but chose to engage with silence instead, her voice drowning in the eerie atmosphere of the quietness. Yet now, she was already gone, forever. There was simply no more reason to run away from the urge of telling them what she has always wanted to say.A dead girl would never lie. And the tapes would tell you the exact 12 reasons why. Welcome to the path of truth.