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Chapter 36 - Ch36 Assembly

Deep under Hawkins Lab, three men walked out of the elevator. They were already fully suited in their hazmat suits and were walking down the hall. All of the men now had a suit like Dr. Brenner, but one of them wore an orange-colored suit that was a little bulkier and sturdy. Walking into the room where the weird slimy tentacles were, they walked over to a wench. One of the men in white connected the hook to the man wearing orange's suit.

The man closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Then the man looked back at a glass window. The man asked, "You boys hear me all right in there?"

One of the men behind the glass responded, "Loud and clear, Shepherd."

Brenner walked closer to the window and said, "Good luck in there, son."

Shepherd turned back around with a grim expression as some low growling could be heard from the direction of the tentacles. Shepherd started to slowly walk towards the weird cave while the wench made a clicking noise behind him. He walked forward until he arrived in front of a slimy membrane. Shepherd reached his hand forward and tore through the membrane before he pulled his hand back out.

Shepherd turned back to look at Brenner and saw him nod. His eyes twitched before he reluctantly pushed his hand through once more before he gradually inserted the rest of his body through the membrane. After he entered inside the thin membrane began to repair itself, leaving many of the people in the room puzzled.

Everyone knew that the man was still alive as the cord kept being pulled leaving less and less on the wheel of the wench. The cord was very long however and there would be no problem of only being able to venture a short distance into the unknown cave.

As Brenner watched Shepherd go through the membrane, he couldn't help but to think of how peculiar this whole thing was. Brenner thought, 'Ever since I had Eleven... This thing appeared... Along with that strange creature... I wonder what this peculiar thing actually is, a portal? Perhaps... But where does it lead? Another dimension, realm? How can I use this to my advantage?... Teleportation? The government would definitely pay for something like that. This could be my crowning achievement."

Brenner was brought out of his thoughts when the scientist next to him said, "Sir, it seems that the landscape beyond that membrane is easy to traverse. Shepherd has gone a long distance into it already."

Brenner said, "Yes, I fear that we did not prepare a long enough cord. Who knows what lies beyond?"

The scientist nodded his head with a curious gaze at the membrane. Soon silence embraced the room as they began to study different sensor they had put within the suit of Shepherd. Several sensors were to scan Shepherd body and keep them up to date on his condition. The idea was that in case of any danger they would start the wench and pull Shepherd back as fast as they could.

The other sensors checked the atmosphere of beyond the membrane. Pretty much there was every sensor that they could fit into the suit. They wanted to be sure of the terrain before they sent in any more scouts into the weird membrane.

Meanwhile, at Hawkins Highschool, Nancy was sitting in class next to John in Geometry. They were sitting together with April in the far side of the room and listening to the lesson. More like, April was listening to the lesson, John was bored out of his mind and secretly playing a game under the table while Nancy was too worried about Barb to focus.

The teacher was teaching her lesson when suddenly the door was opened by the vice principle. The teacher stopped his lesson and looked over at the woman, as did the rest of the class. The woman was not fazed and said, "Nancy Wheeler? Please come with me."

Nancy nodded her head and began to pack her bag, John put away his game console and handed his folder to April for safe keeping. When Nancy finished packing her bag, she stood up and John followed behind her. The teacher asked, "Mr. Adler, where do you think you are going?"

John said, "I have some business with Miss Wheeler, so I'm taking my leave."

The teacher did not expect to get a response as John usually just ignored him. He watched as John casually walked out of the room behind Nancy and the vice principal. Coughing, the teacher said stiffly, "Let's continue." April giggled a little when she saw how awkward the teacher was acting.

John and Nancy walked with the vice principal to the cafeteria before she said, "Alright, I will leave you here Miss Wheeler, Mr. Adler."

John and Nancy nodded before they said, "Thank you for escorting us. Have a great day." Then the two of them walked into the room and saw Karen sitting across from Callahan and Powell.

The three stood up and Karen asked suddenly, "What are you doing here, John?"

John said, "Nancy wanted me to come as well." Karen nodded her head before she grabbed her daughter's hand and sat down.

Callahan shook John's hand and said, "Hey, I didn't expect to see you here."

Powell said, "Yeah, didn't expect to see you, man."

John smiled and said, "Well, I didn't plan to come but Nancy asked me. So... Here I am."

Callahan let go of John hand and said, "Well, let's get started." John nodded and he sat down next to Nancy. Callahan and Powell also took their seats across from them.

Callahan said, "Okay, so from your phone call I gather that Barbara Holland is missing?"

Nancy nodded and said, "Yeah, I haven't seen her in almost 2 days now."

Callahan said, "Okay, well... Tell me, what happened right before she went missing?"

Nancy said, "Barb and I were at a party and got into an argument.

Powell asked, "This argument you and Barb had? What exactly was it about?"

Nancy said, "It wasn't really an argument. Barb just wanted to leave. I didn't, so, I... I told her to just go home. I left a while later, but I checked if she was there, and I didn't see her. So, I left and made my way home, but I took a different path from normal."

Powell asked, "Why is that relevant?"

Nancy said, "It will be relevant in a second. Anyway... The next day, I come into school, and I don't see her anywhere."

Callahan said, "Maybe, she ditched."

Nancy said, "No, that isn't Barb. She is a good student and doesn't get in trouble. Since I didn't see her, I started to get worried. So, I asked around, but no one had seen her at all. Then I called Barb's mom at the end of school after John suggested, but her mom hadn't seen her either."

Powell said, "That is concerning. Then what?"

John said, "Nancy asked me to drive her over to where they had parked Barb's car on the side of the road."

Callahan asked, "And?"

Nancy said with tears in her eyes, "Her car was still there, completely untouched."

Powell said, "Maybe she was having car trouble."

Nancy shook her head and said, "Barb just got her car fixed." Nancy put her head into her hands and Karen comforted her.

John said, "I checked the car out, but everything inside seemed to be normal."

Callahan said, "That is strange. When we checked it out just an hour ago, there was no car there."

Nancy said, "What? How can that be? That's impossible. The car was right there."

John said, "Don't you find it strange?"

Callahan said, "Look, John. I want to believe you and Nancy, but there was no car there. So far all we have is your word. It's not enough to start an investigation. Barb will probably be back soon." Nancy burst into tears and John rubbed her back.

Powell said, "If you can find some proof. We will start an investigation. So far, it looks like Barb decided to run away. It's just not a good allocation of our officers."

John said, "I understand, thank you for coming." Powell and Callahan nodded before they stood up and walked out of the room.

Nancy calmed down soon after and said, "John, how could you let them leave so easily, Barb is out there. I know it."

Karen said softly, "Calm down, Nance. There is nothing John could do."

Nancy got upset and was about to get up when John leaned over to her ear and whispered, "Calm down, Grace. We will look for her ourselves." John then kissed her neck discreetly.

Nancy calmed down and asked, "Mom, can you please take me home?"

Karen said, "Of course, sweetheart." John watched as Nancy and Karen walked out of the room together. John walked out of the room a couple minutes later and walked back to class before he sat down.

Meanwhile, at the police station Hopper was talking with Gary, the County Coroner. Hopper said, "So, Gary, tell me about these troopers that brought in Will."

Gary said, "It was about six of 'em, I'd say."

Hopper asked, "So, they were all staties?"

Gary said, "Yes, Sir. Never seen that many troopers come with a body before."

Hopper asked, "They told you that they were gonna take care of the autopsy, huh?"

Gary said, "Yeah. Claimed jurisdiction. Kicked me out. Well, it all seemed a bit over the top to me, considering..."

Hopper asked, "Considering what?"

Gary said, "Considering this was Will Byers and not John F. Kennedy."

Hopper sighed and stood up to look at the TV. Hopper said, "Thanks for stopping by Gary."

Gary said, "Sure." The Gary walked out of the station while Hopper stared at the TV. A reporter was talking about the man who noticed Will's body in the water. The reporter mentioned the name of the state trooper, David O'Bannon.

After class, John walked out of the room with his arm over April's shoulder. John said, "Bunny, do you want me to drop you off?"

April said, "Lisa said she was going to pick me up in the Cadillac."

John said, "Okay. So, what were you going to get while you are out with Lisa?"

April said, "We were going to go get some stuff for the baby."

John said, "Oh, well, before you go out, stop at my house."

April asked, "Why?"

John said, "There is a safe in my room. You know where it is, right?"

April said, "Yeah, what about it?"

John said, "The code is 64, 12, 48. Take as much money as you want."

April said, "Wait. I couldn't--"

John cut her off, "What do you mean, Bunny? That is my baby. And you are my lovers. Naturally, all I have is yours."

April said, "But--"

John pressed her against her locker and leaned down to look into her eyes. John asked, "Do you love me?"

April eyes sparkled as she said, "More than anything." John kissed her lips gently even as a crowd of students surrounded them.

John whispered, "Then everything is yours." John backed away and casually glanced at the crowd, causing them to quickly disperse.

The crowd walked down the hall as they talked with their friends, asking about why John showed his affection in public. A few girls even muttered, "I wish he would kiss me like that."

April quickly grabbed her stuff out of her locker before she walked out of the school with John. They walked out of the school and saw some people gathering around a pink Cadillac. They walked over and along the way, John saw Mike and his friends riding their bikes toward the middle school.

They reached the car and the group backed away as John walked closer. April got into the passenger seat, while John walked over to the driver side and leaned down next to Lisa. Lisa turned to him and kissed his lips before John whispered something into her ear. Lisa nodded with a bright smile before she began to drive away slowly. People backing away quickly as they didn't want to get run over.

John walked calmly over to the middle school as everyone looked at him. They were muttering and talking to their friends about how John just kissed the hot blonde in the pink Cadillac. John jogged over to the middle school and entered through the same door that he saw Mike and his friends enter through.

Walking slowly through the hall, John eventually caught up with Mike and his gang. John knew the way to the Club room as he had come once before when Mike insisted on him tagging along. John decided to play a prank on the kids and snuck up behind them before he said in a gruff voice, "What are you doing in the hall?"

John watched on as the kids nearly jumped out of their skin. Lucas released a high-pitched scream for a second, while Eleven stayed quiet as she had felt John's aura. All the kids turned around and saw John standing there nonchalantly. Mike said, "What the hell."

John said, "That's my line. What are you doing? Bringing her here?"

Mike said, "But we disguised her."

Dustin said, "Yeah."

John sighed and said, "It is still risky, let's hurry before we are discovered."

Mike nodded and they began to walk down the hall. As they were walking El turned to John and asked, "Pretty?"

John nodded said, "Very cute." El smile before she turned back towards the front. Suddenly over the intercom, an announcement was made. It stated, "There will be an assembly to honor Will Byers in the gymnasium now. Hearing the announcement, they increased their pace and soon arrive in front of the club room.

Mike walked forth and tried to open the door, but it was locked. Mike said, "It's locked."

Lucas said in a panic, "What?"

Dustin thought quickly and asked, "Hey, do you think you can open it? With your powers?" Suddenly, Mr. Clarke walked around the corner and noticed them.

Mr. Clarke asked, "Boys? John?"

Lucas said nervously, "Hey."

Mr. Clarke asked, "John, what are you doing here?"

John chuckled and said, "I saw the kids walking into the school and came over to check it out."

Mr. Clarke said, "Oh, all right. Anyway, the assembly is about to start."

Mike said, "We know. We're just, you know..."

Lucas continued for Mike, "Upset."

Dustin stammered, "Yeah, definitely upset." John watched this with a small smirk as he laughed in his head about how bad they were lying.

Mike said, "We need some alone time."

Dustin said, "To cry."

Mr. Clarke said, "Yeah, listen... I get it. I do. I know how hard this is, but let's just be there for Will, huh?" Dustin nodded.

Mr. Clarke pulled out his keys and said, "And then... the Heathkit is all yours for the rest of the day. What do you say?" The kids smile at him.

Mr. Clarke noticed Eleven and turned to her. Mr. Clarke said, "I don't believe we've met. What's your name?"

El started to get nervous, as did the boys. Eleven was about to speak, but she was interrupted. John grabbed El's hand and said, "This is Abrielle. She is from France and doesn't speak much English. I am watching her for a friend because of an urgent trip." The boys all heaved a sigh of relief when they saw John step in to cover for them.

Mr. Clarke said, "Oh, sorry if I made her uncomfortable."

John said, " No, problem."

John nodded and said in French, "Isn't that right, Abrielle?" Eleven didn't quite understand but she nodded along.

Mr. Clarke said, "You speak well in French, I'm guessing?"

John nodded, "Yeah, I know many languages."

Mr. Clarke said, "Well, let's get going, guys. Then, you can have the Heathkit to yourselves." The boys nodded as they started to walk behind him. John walked behind them with El next to him. They arrived at the gym after taking a couple turns down different halls.

While John and the kids were talking with Mr. Clarke, April and Lisa had just arrived at John's house. Lisa asked, "What are we doing here again?"

April said, "John said that we could use the money in his safe to buy the stuff needed for the baby."

Lisa said, "Oh, that's great. Let's go then." April nodded and they both got out of the car. They walked up to the front door and April used the key John had given to her. April and Lisa walked into the house.

Lisa said, "This place is so nice. I can't wait to move in."

April said, "Yeah, I love this place. The interior is just so elegant."

Lisa nodded enthusiastically before she said, "Well, let's get moving. We have to be back at the house by tonight as John wanted us back for a surprise."

April asked, "A surprise? I didn't know anything about it."

Lisa said, "Yeah, John only told me because he wanted to make sure we were home when he got there."

April nodded her head, then said, "Let's hurry then." Lisa nodded and followed April up the stairs into John's room. They walked over to the walk-in closet and moved some clothes out of the way, revealing a medium sized safe. April crouched down and put in the code John had given her, 64, 12, 48. With a light click the door unlocked and the ladies looked intently as they began to open the safe.

When the door was fully opened, both of the women were absolutely shocked. Inside the safe were two shelves, creating three different levels. Each level had stacks upon stacks of dollar bills. Both ladies were stunned for a couple minutes before they recovered, and Lisa grabbed a stack out of the safe.

Lisa observed the stack and saw that the paper band holding the bills together was labeled with, 10K. April said, "I knew John was rich, but I didn't think it was to this degree."

Lisa stayed silent as she was lost in thought. She thought, 'Whose baby am I carrying in my womb? Is John some kind of secret mafia boss? He does have that roguish charm about him...'

Lisa shook her head, and thought, 'Now is not the time to have fantasies. This is serious.'

Lisa was brought out of her thought process when April said, "Let's grab 2 stacks and then get going."

Lisa asked, "Don't you find this suspicious? Who keeps this much cash? Other than a mafia boss."

April said, "Please, calm down, Lisa. John is nothing of the sort, I'm sure of it."

Lisa asked, "How can you know for sure though?"

April said, "I don't, but I know that John has never mistreated me." April looked at Lisa's unconvinced look and sighed.

April said, "If you are this concerned, why not just ask John? I'm sure he would tell you everything you wanted to know."

Hearing this Lisa finally calmed down and realized that April was right. Lisa said, "I'm sorry for doubting John, April. I think this pregnancy is messing with my thought process."

April said, "I understand, but just remember, John is honest with us no matter what. He doesn't lie about anything. Although sometimes he does avoid the truth, but never to hurt us."

Lisa nodded and said, "You have grown so mature, my little cutie."

April pouted and said, "Please don't tease me."

Lisa smiled and said, "Impossible." Both ladies then began to giggle. Soon they stopped however as they had already taken enough time here. April grabbed another stack of cash before she closed the safe door.

Lisa took the second stack of cash from April and then out both stacks into her purse for safe keeping. They then made their way out of the house and back to the car. They were headed into the city to get the best possible baby furniture they could find. They would also buy some other necessities as well while they were there.

Back to John, they walked into the gym and saw a large number of students sitting on the bleachers. The door opening made a loud noise, and everyone looked over at them. This made Mike and his friends feel awkward, luckily Mr. Clarke motioned Mike and his friends along with El to the bleachers. Then Mr. Clarke sat down with the rest of the school faculty in across from all the students. Mike and his friends made their way over and sat down, meanwhile, John stood at the entrance of the gym.

The principal stood in the middle of the teachers and began his speech. He said, "At times like these, it is important that we come together as a community. We come together to heal. We come together to grieve. We come together to honor a young boy much like you that was taken from this world far before his time. At time like these, it is easy to get discouraged and feel down. You might feel as if a bottomless pit has formed in your heart that just won't go away. But I just want to tell you, that seemingly endless pit will eventually get filled. In time things will get better as long as you persist and never give in to your grief. You must never forget that although you can never bring back a fallen friend. You can always honor them through the choices you make in the future..."

Mike and his friends were impacted by these few sentences, and it only helped to harden their resolve. They though that the man was done but he soon started to speak again, and they started to get bored.

John listened as the man continued for another 20 minutes. He was pretty much just repeating himself using different words. As time passed the words got more complicated and it was just clear that the kids sitting in front of him were bored out of their minds.

Meanwhile, Nancy and her mother had already gotten home about 15 minutes ago. They were sitting on the couch together as Nancy held onto her mother because of what happened with the police. She felt angry that the police shoved her case off so quickly. The only thing keeping her from bawling her eyes out was that John had told her they would investigate for themselves.

Nancy and Karen sat in silence for a couple minutes before they put on a movie and began to watch it. They put on a comedy in hopes of lifting their spirits. They even made some popcorn to further increase the joyful atmosphere. In no time, both mother and daughter were laughing and enjoying themselves.

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