Chapter Nineteen
"That's everything." Billy sighed as he shut the trunk of his car.
Lila frowned as she looked up at him. "You don't want to go?"
"What?" Billy asked. "I do."
"You sighed." Lila replied.
"Just not looking forward to the drive." Billy smiled before kissing her forehead. "Come on, let's go find the others."
Billy and Lila walked hand in hand towards the cabin. Lila pushed the door open revealing all of her friends.
Max immediately engulfed her in a hug. Lila hugged her back, tightly. They stood there for a few minutes before pulling away.
"I can't wait to come visit." Max softly smiled.
"I know." Lila smiled back.
Max wiped a stray tear away before hugging her once more. "I'm so thankful I met you."
"Me too, Max. Me too." Lila spoke.
Max looked pulled away before glancing at Billy. Lila nudged her forward, smiling. Billy chuckled before pulling Max into a hug. She hesitated but hugged back.
"You behave, Max." Billy said as he pulled away.
"You too, Billy." She laughed.
Lila smiled at the two of them. She was happy that they'd been getting along. But sad that they were leaving just as things began to change.
"Alright, everyone. Time to head out." Hopper sighed as he grabbed his car keys.
Everyone exchanged goodbyes once more before Joyce, Hopper and the kids piled into their cars.
Lila climbed into Billy's car before buckling her seat belt. Billy climbed in beside her, starting his car.
Billy looked over at Lila before smiling.
"Let's go to California."
Lila's eyes fluttered open as the sound of the bathroom sink filled her ears. She rubbed her eyes before feeling the bed beside her. It was empty. She groaned before rolling over and closing her eyes again. She hated when Billy left for work.
The bedroom door creaked open. She opened an eye to see Billy standing there in his pajamas.
"Did I wake you up?" He asked as he dug through the closet.
"No." Lila lied. "Come back to bed."
"I gotta go to work, babe." Billy chuckled as he pulled his shirt over his head.
"No." Lila groaned before sitting up in bed.
"Yes." He replied. "Gotta buy a pretty rock to go on that finger."
"I'll go without." Lila mumbled.
Billy laughed before leaning over to kiss her. Lila pulled away, crossing her arms over her chest. Billy sat down before pulling on his boots and kissing her once more.
"I'll be back before you know it." He replied. "Max is down for spring break. Why don't you ask her and El to come over?"
"I guess." Lila shrugged. "I'll call later."
"I love you." Billy called out as he walked out the bedroom.
"I love you." Lila called back. She sighed before lying back down and attempting to drift back into sleep.
It'd been a year since everyone moved to California. It was nice to be away from Hawkins. Although she did miss how small the town was. Lenora Hills was too big for her liking.
On the brightside, she and Billy moved out a few months after being here. It was different living on her own. All she had was Hopper, Joyce and the kids. And now they weren't there.
When Lila woke up again, it was ten in the morning. She decided to get dressed for the day and call Hopper's house.
Eleven answered. "Hello?"
"Would you and Max please come over." Lila begged. "I am so bored."
"Yes." Eleven giggled. "We'll have a girls day."
"Oh, thank goodness." Lila sighed. "I'll see you soon then?"
"We'll be over soon!"
As Lila waited for the girls, she made herself some toast. She sat on the couch savoring every bite. It tasted oddly delicious this morning.
The girls soon showed up. Lila squealed in delight before hugging Max.
"Oh how I've missed you!"
"I've missed you!" Max smiled as she pulled away. "Do you like it here?"
"Yes, I do." Lila nodded as they sat down. "I think I might like Hawkins a little more."
"Oh god, how could you?" Max laughed. "California is so much cooler."
The three of them sat around, catching up for the next few hours. She liked having someone to actually talk to.
Lila thought she'd be stuck in that horrible lab forever. She was thankful that she'd escaped.
And extremely thankful for Billy and Max.