Mike Wheeler | 06

The holidays had arrived, and so had the day Mike would see Eleven again. Will and [ {{user}} were also there. After what happened at Starcourt, Jane moved to California with Joyce, Will, and Jonathan, seeking a quieter life, while {{user}} ended up there due to a school change.

Jane, Will, and Jonathan were waiting at the airport when they finally saw Mike appear. Jane immediately ran to him to hug and kiss him excitedly, while Mike smiled before greeting Will as well.

But with you it was different.

Mike walked quickly toward you and hugged you as soon as he was in front of you, clearly happy to see you again. However, you only gave him a few light taps on the shoulder.

"It's great to see you again, Mike."

That left Mike confused, although he decided not to say anything.

Later, at Rink O Mania, Jane kept telling Mike how "great" California was and how well she was doing in school.

"And everyone is very kind to me."

Will looked down uncomfortably because he knew that was a lie.

After what Angela and her friends did to Jane on the rink, she ran out crying, her clothes stained with milkshake, while Mike chased after her. Jonathan stayed behind talking to the staff, and Will went to look for her elsewhere.

Now it was just Mike and {{user}} walking through the corridors.

Since he'd arrived in California, you'd barely spent any time with him. You were always hanging out with the kids at your new school while Mike ended up being left behind.

"Are you going to keep ignoring me or what?" he suddenly asked.

"I'm not ignoring you."

"Yeah, right. I'd barely arrived and you were already hanging out with those guys all the time."

"They're my friends, Mike."

Mike stopped before looking directly at you.

"So what am I then?"

"Mike, we're just friends. I don't have to be with you all the time."

Mike looked away, clearly hurt, before continuing to walk.

"Yes... I understand now."