The TreeHouse

Chapter 4

Monday morning reared its ugly head in the form of a cold for Joyce. Everything hurt. Her face, her hands, even her teeth, but no amount of coaxing from Hopper or Mary could keep her from school. She had already missed class on Friday because of Hopper's boner and she wasn't going to miss more because of a little cold. However, she was going to dress as comfortably as she could to make her day a little bit easier.

Finally crawling out of Hopper's bed, she pulled on her favorite sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, and the new to her flannel coat. She didn't miss the look of concern Hopper gave her as Mary attempted to help her cover up her father's latest work.

"All I'm saying Joyce, is that you don't have to go to school. There is no way you can fail. Your grades are way too good." Hopper called from the doorway as he watched his mother layer some kind of makeup on her face.

"Jim, if she says she feels okay enough to go, then let her go. You can always bring her home if she gets worse." His mother scolded as she looked over Joyce's face.

"You're good to go dear." Mary informed her in that maternal manner she always seems to have.

"Thanks, Mrs.Hopper."

"Joyce you can call me Mary honey, or mom, or whatever makes you comfortable okay? We're way past the formal stages of name-calling." Mary laughed as she gathered her makeup off of the counter. Joyce slipped out the bathroom door under Hopper's arm before he could try to talk her out of missing school again. After fifteen minutes of attempted breakfast, Hopper's antics, and a round of medicine, Joyce had enough of Hopper bugging her.

"Look, if it will shut you up I'll make a deal with you." She sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Alright, I'm listening." Hopper mumbled, still wanting Joyce to stay home and rest, but he quickly turned a chair from the dining table around and straddled it. Munching on a piece of toast he waited on Joyce's proposition.

"I'm still going to attempt to go to school, however..." Joyce continued as Hopper opened his mouth. "I'll ride with you to school instead of waiting on the bus."

Hopper continued to chew his toast, acting as if he was thinking over her offer. Finally swallowing, he cleared his throat.

"Fine, but if I see you puking or anything at school I'm bringing your ass home. Got it?"

"Jim language in the house!" Mary scolded over her first cup of coffee.

"Deal." Joyce held out her hand to Hopper. Giving it a quick shake, the teens finished their breakfast before grabbing their book bags off of the mudroom floor. Stepping out into the cool October air, Joyce was beyond thankful that Hopper had given her his old coat. It was drizzling, adding to the spooky vibe that seemed to flow from Hawkins once the leaves started to turn.

Hopper opened the passenger side door to allow Joyce to climb inside the cab. Jumping behind the wheel in seconds, Hopper quickly turned the key so he can get the heat going.

"I'm trying Joyce, I know you're freezing, I can see you shivering from here." He comments as he grabs a cigarette out of his coat pocket. He quickly lights it, taking in a lung full of smoke, then holds his hand out. She shakes her head without a word. They are driving down Main Street. Hopper has the radio playing quietly, not wanting to make Joyce feel worse with loud music first thing in the morning. Pulling into the student lot, he doesn't miss the double takes people are giving his truck as she searches for a parking spot.

"Promise you'll tell me if you want to go home?" He asks, making it seem like he was messing with his radio instead of talking to her in his truck.

"I promise Hop. I'll see you at lunch okay?" She gently takes his hand in hers and gives it a slight squeeze. Grabbing her book bag, she exits the truck, pulling her hood up against the drizzle that has now become a light rain. Hopper sighs as he watches her walk toward the school. Her shoulders are hunched against the wind, and he has a feeling in his gut that today isn't going to be a good day.