Max Prologue

                                    

                                          

TW: Domestic violence
This is so stupid. I'm grounded for something I didn't even do but try telling that to Neil and my mother who's too afraid of him to even say a word in my defence. 
We're too poor to afford a walkie-talkie like the others have and the only phone we have is in the hall and if I'm even allowed to leave my room, someone will hear me. If they knew I was talking to El, they wouldn't let me. It's because she's the Chief's daughter and I know Neil is scared of the cops. He should be in my opinion but Mom doesn't listen to me when I tell her what he does is wrong. So I gave up caring. If I shut up he won't hurt me and that's exactly what I've learned to do. But I'm grounded anyway for stealing something of Neil's which I, again, didn't do. I know it was Billy but there's no point arguing with him. 
The phone rang and I raced to pick it up, praying that Billy's music was loud enough that Neil wouldn't hear my footsteps.
"Hello?" I whispered.
"Max?" the voice asked.
"El?" I asked, quietly.
"Yeah. Why are you whispering?"
I hesitated. I didn't really want El to know.
"Uh, no reason." I said, but didn't raise my voice.
"Friends don't lie." She whispered back, hurt and worry edging her words.
"Fine. Its because of Neil. I'm grounded and I'm not supposed to talk to you." I told her.
"Will he...hurt you?" she asked nervously and it pained me to reply.
"I don't know. Sh!t he's coming. I've got to go."
"Max?" she asked but I hung up, racing back into my bedroom before he reached the hallway. Pounding on my door just as I had collapsed onto my bed he swung it open to reveal me reading a comic book.
"What are you doing?" Neil asked menacingly and I looked up, glaring at him.
"Reading." I told him, hatred dripping from my voice.
"I heard you on the phone you little-"
"Neil, stop its okay." My mom had appeared behind him in the doorway.
"No its not Susan. She stole from me and now she's going to pay for her actions."
He reached a hand up and slapped me, as I shuffled further back onto my bed.
"Stop." I whispered, tears falling down my face. Footsteps sounded in the hallway and I looked away expecting Billy.
"Hey!" the voice shouted. Hopper. 
Neil looked him up and down.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Neil spat.
"Jim Hopper." He told him. "Chief of police."
Neil laughed, dry and humourless.
"Did you call the cops, Maxine?" he asked me and my eyes widened in fear.
"No!" I cried and Hopper took a step toward him, gun raised.
"You're under arrest." He growled and Neil stared at him, anger flaring in his eyes.
"Go to hell." He told Hopper and attempted to hit him, but there were two more cops behind him.
"Cuff him and take him to the station. I'll take care of the others."
The two cops nodded and hauled Neil away as I sat there, watching in horror.
Billy came into the room, confused and obviously angry.
"What the hell do you think doing?" he asked as Hopper stared at him.
"My job." Hopper replied before turning to me.
"Max. Are you okay?"
I nodded, though where Neil had hit me still stung and I was crying.
Hopper glanced at my mother who was sobbing in the doorframe and at Billy who stood with his hand on his hip, a cigarette drooping from his lips.
"This isn't safe. You're coming with me Max and we'll deal with everything else in the morning. Susan you stay here, I'll get the others to take care of Billy." Hopper said and Susan nodded.
"Okay." She whispered.
"Its gonna be alright." Hopper told her. He turned to me. 
"Come on, lets go. El's in the car."
I smiled weakly.
"Okay." I replied.
(A/N: Helloooo again! Things are turning around now, nothing else too depressing I promise. And the Elmax is coming soon too hehehehehe. Anyway, I hope you...well maybe not ENJOYED reading this chapter, but maybe looking forward to the next update?! Maybe??? Lol idk. Don't forget to comment and vote, stay totally tubular and I'll see you in the next one xx)