lil something = Throughout Max's childhood, she was told liking girls was a sin, despite not being of any religion where it is indeed wrong. Her parents were just homophobic. Or at least, her dad was and convinced her mother it was a crime. But she still like a girl. And the girl she liked was Jane Hopper, her best friend who had a nice life after the lab situation. Nice parents and nice brothers; none of whom were homophobic. Max on the other hand, had terrible parents, a cruel brother and yes, they were homophobic. And as far as Max knew, El was straight.
So, all in all, Max had no shot with her. But little did she know... El was in love with her.
AND MY DRAMA ASSESSMENT WENT WELL (ISH) AND MY SPELLING BEE WENT GREAT I GOT THE HIGHEST SCORE GET REKT N00BS
(Edit 9th jan: wtf past self you absaloute nerd)