The Gate Au

Chapter IX: Letters to Mike

Dear Mike,

I know this seems kind of silly to write letters to you, while…while you're somewhere I can't follow. But Mrs. Byers suggested that writing down what I'm feeling could help. I'm not entirely convinced that it will, but I decided to give it a chance. Plus, it makes me feel closer to you.

Nancy and Steve haven't made up yet. They are trying though and that's what really matters right? I do hope that they can forgive each other soon and end the fighting.

Your parents split up last week. I think Will called it a 'Divorce'? It seems your mom had, had enough and kicked your father out. Nancy seemed both happy and upset about it. But its okay, Jonathan was there for her. Speaking of Jonathan, he is also keeping an eye on Will. I guess he took your last words to heart.

Will, Dustin and Lucas are okay. Or, at least, as okay as they can be in this situation. They are sleeping better. It's not completely a hundred percent better, but still better than before.

I miss you Mike. I miss you so much it hurts. And I know that you said I should forgive myself but sometimes my brain taunts me over and over saying that you died… because of me. But I'm trying Mike. I'm trying to… to forgive myself and then maybe I'll be able to accept that it wasn't my fault. I don't know.

I better get to bed now. I love you Mike.

-El

Dear Mike,

Hopper has been acting strange lately. Well, maybe not strange, but he seemed excited about something? I'm not sure. He's been spending a lot of time with Mrs. Byers though. Dustin says that means they are dating which is a step away from getting hitched. Whatever that means.

I asked Hopper and Mrs. Byers about it but they just started spluttering and blushing. I think they were embarrassed. I'm not sure why though.

Talk to you later

-El

Dear Mike,

Great news! Nancy and Jonathan were able to make sure that the lab where Papa was, was able to be shut down for good! They originally planned to get it shut down sooner, but Nancy had been too upset about you to do anything about it. But now she says that she was able to get justice for both you and Barb. Although she still misses you a lot she seems better. She's even being nicer to Steve.

Speaking of Steve, he's been hanging out with the boys more. Him and Dustin are particularly close. Which is odd, but strangely fitting. Lucas joked that Steve's the party's new tank. I'm not entirely sure what that is but Steve seems happy when he's called it.

Have to go, Hopper is calling me for dinner.

Love El

Dear Mike,

Hopper was acting funny today. He seemed nervous about something. I asked him if he wanted to marry Mrs. Byers but he only turned red and changed the subject. Dustin says it's only a matter of time.

Speaking of a matter of time, I wonder how much longer it will take until I'm able to go outside again. Soon I hope. I want to see the others again.

Love El

Dear Mike,

Mike! You know how Hopper was acting weird yesterday? Well, I finally got him to talk and you'll never guess what happened! He's said that he adopted me! I get to be part of his family now! Well at least legally I mean, I already sort of was part of his family but now it's official. They changed my name to the name mama gave me. So now I'm Jane Hopper.

Love El

(or Jane now I guess)

Dear Mike,

I can finally go outside now! It feels like forever since I was able to go outside. I'm only sad that I wasn't able to spend it with you. Still, I've got the boys, and Nancy too I guess. Lucas and Dustin have been trying to get me to get to know the new girl Max.

I don't know if we'll be friends but… I'll try.

Love Jane

Dear Mike,

I've changed my mind about Max. She's cool. Those stupid mouth-breathers that had bothered you before, decided to pick on Dustin and Lucas. (Will was home sick with a cold, so I don't think they would have picked on them otherwise. Dustin says they're scared of Will. I'm not sure why) I guess they didn't realize I was there, so they started threatening Lucas and Dustin. Before I could step in Max punched them both in the gut. She also stood up for you. Said that you were more of a man than they would ever be. She even got them suspended! Dustin really thought she was badass. Lucas asked her on a date. (finally)

Love Jane

Dear Mike,

Nancy has finally forgiven Steve, and they've gone back to being friends. Now all Steve needs to do is forgive himself. He is trying though. I'm glad that they were able to forgive each other. They might be able to move on now.

I miss you every day.

Love Jane

Dear Mike.

Hopper and Mrs. Byers are getting married! Hopper finally asked her, and she said yes! They've even set the date.

Lucas said that this means Will is going to be my brother now. I've never had a brother. I wonder what it will be like?

Love Jane

Dear Mike,

Well Hopper and Mrs. Byers are now officially married. I wish you could've seen it. It was so beautiful. Dustin cried, even thought he denied it when Will asked him.

Even though we miss you every day it's been getting a little easier.

We just have to keep taking life one day at a time.

I love you and will never forget you Michael Wheeler.

Love Jane.

THE END