CHAPTER THREE:
TIME AFTER TIME.

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TWO AND A half hours later and Eileen was no closer to finding her sister.

Her worry was becoming more increasingly noticeable the longer it was taking her to locate Penny, the sun already set and the moon twinkling down on their town. None of the boys or their families she talked to so far knew where she was, causing some of them to begin worrying too. Eileen was so certain that if Penny was actually any house out of the group, it would be at the Byers house; she would've checked there first, but she was already in town so she checked some of the other usual hangout spots before checking the Byers since it was further away.

Penny was always close with the boys, but lately she'd been hanging out with Will more than the others. Eileen wondered if it was partially because she was afraid that he would go missing again, but even if that were the reason, Penny would never admit it out loud. She did her best to try and hide it, but she constantly thought about the events of last year. She thought about the night Will went missing, his body being found━━━only for it to not be him, about the giant, faceless monster, the bad men, and Eleven. Penny herself had seen what the bad men looked like as well as the monster━━━or the Demogorgon as the kids had called it━━━which often all reappeared in her sleep. Eileen had nightmares as well that were often repeats of her encounters with the monsters and the bad men, but thankfully they weren't as frequent as before.

Eileen shook her head as the Demogorgon flashed in her mind and snarled, its screech echoing in her ears as if it was right behind her. She visibly winced, letting out a heavy breath as she blinked a few times while she shook her head. She turned her head and lifted her hand, taking her beanie off as the monster disappeared from her mind for the time being. The wind caused her long hair to blow in her face and she huffed in annoyance, pushing it back over her shoulders. She placed her hands on her hips and glanced down at her sneaker-clad feet, wondering where else Penny could possibly be.

Eileen lifted her head when she heard the sound of a car, recognizing Jonathan's car as it made its way down the driveway. Jonathan was seated in the driver's seat, Will next to him with a small smile on his lips as Jonathan came to a stop in front of Eileen. He put the car in park and climbed out along with Will, his brows furrowed together in confusion as he grabbed his backpack from the backseat.

"Hey, Leen," Will greeted her.

"Hey, Will," Eileen sweetly said. She looked over the roof of the car, offering Jonathan a smile as well. "Hey, Jonathan."

"Hey," he replied, nodding his head. "What're you doin' here?"

"I. . .I'm lookin' for Pen," Eileen answered, stealing a glance at Will. "And I was actually hopin' she was here."

Will frowned, his brows knitting together. "You don't know where she is?"

Eileen softly sighed, pushing some hair behind her ears when it started to blow in her face again. "No. . .I had work earlier and then I went skating after. I just figured she was with you guys today."

"We haven't seen her," Jonathan said, offering Eileen an apologetic smile. Before, Eileen probably wouldn't have really considered Jonathan a friend. It wasn't that she didn't like him or anything like that, but aside from seeing each other when picking up their siblings, they didn't really talk. Sometimes they would awkwardly smile or wave at each other at school or if they saw the other around town, but that was about it. After last year, though, they somehow had a better understanding of each other and were closer━━━they were friends. "We can maybe help you look for her━━━"

"No, no, that's okay. I know you guys probably have other things to do," Eileen kindly denied, faintly shaking her head. "She's-she's probably just at Mike's or L━━━"

"She's not at Mike's," Jonathan said. "I just picked Will up from there."

"Lucas was there, too," Will said.

Eileen heavily sighed, slouching against her car. She'd already checked Dustin's house and another girl Penny knew━━━which was a long shot, but it was on the way to the Byers house so she thought she might as well have just mark that one off to be sure━━━which only left a couple more places if she wasn't at the Wheelers or Sinclairs. "Shit, uh, okay. Thanks, anyway."

Jonathan shifted his posture and slung his bag over his shoulder so it wasn't slipping down, rounding his car to stand next to Will. "Are you sure she's not at the diner?"

"She's not," Eileen said, unable to hide her increasing worry that seeped into her voice. "My dad's the one who called and told her to bring her home."

Jonathan twisted his lips, stealing a glance down at Will. There was a glint of panic swirling in Will's eyes, no doubt wondering where Penny could've been if she wasn't at the diner, with Eileen, or with one of their party members. The arcade or the movies could have still been an option, but very rarely did she go there by herself anymore.

Eileen peered down at her sneakers as she thought for a moment, trying to figure out where her sister could be.

"Eileen James! Don't push your sister!"

Eileen rolled her eyes, dramatically huffing as she plopped down on the dry grass beneath her. Penny was kneeled in front of her, tears rolling down her cheeks as she harshly glared across at Eileen. Penny shifted to sit on her butt, pressing her hands over one of her knees that had scraped against some rocks in the yard.

"She started it," Eileen grumbled.

"I don't really care who started it," Andy quickly cut in, walking over to kneel between his daughters. The hot sun beat down on them through the trees that surrounded them, the smell of barbecue filling the wooded area. It was a perfect day for a barbecue, or so Andy had thought before his daughters started to fight again. Jim turned away from the grill in front of him, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he looked towards his brother and nieces. "I'm ending it."

"Daddy, my knee's bleeding," Penny pouted, bottom lip jutting out as Andy peered down at her scraped knees to see a tiny splotch of blood smeared on one of Penny's knees.

Eileen huffed in annoyance and pushed herself onto her feet, angrily stomping towards the cabin. Andy heavily sighed as his eyes followed his oldest daughter, shaking his head as he focused on Penny. He could talk to Eileen after he checked on Penny and dealt with the cut.

Hopper raised his brows as his niece briskly moved past him, the cigarette smoke billowing around his head before it disappeared out of sight. Eileen sat down on the rickety wooden steps of the porch, angrily glaring into the somewhat colorful plants that were planted on the side of the cabin; the flowers were courtesy of Marsha and Diane who both agreed the cabin needed some "sprucing up". It was technically Hopper's cabin that he'd inherited from his father, but after he moved to New York with Diane and Sarah, it was handed over to Andy (not legally, but no one was going to find out) and was mostly used for "weekend getaways" or "camping trips" since Andy and Marsha Nelson didn't have a whole lot of money to leave Hawkins. Marsha would've been there if she didn't have to work late at the hospital, but she would see Jim tomorrow night when they had a family dinner━━━but sadly, Diane and Sarah weren't able to make it down this time.

Jim took one last puff of his cigarette and tossed it on the ground, putting it out with the tip of his boot. Eileen briefly looked up when he did, quickly looking away when she caught Jim's eye. He let out a quiet sigh, sitting beside her. "You gave her a pretty good shove there, kid," Jim said.

Eileen followed his gaze, watching her father move Penny to sit on one of the lawn chairs by the smoldering fire pit while he cleaned up the scrape on her knees. He had a first aid kit placed in his lap that he'd retrieved from his car, his lips curled into a warm grin as he tried to cheer up Penny.

"She was being mean," Eileen muttered in her defense, crossing her arms and placing them on her knees. She rested her chin on her arms, looking at the ground in front of her.

"That's what siblings are for," Jim said, playfully nudging Eileen's arm with his elbow. Eileen furrowed her brows together, giving Jim an incredulous look. He chuckled at her expression, taking a quick look at the grill to make sure the burgers and hot dogs hadn't managed to catch fire in his absence. "You've seen me and your dad, right?"

"Yeah, but you're step brothers," Eileen said, looking up at her uncle. "It's different."

"Not really," Jim nonchalantly shrugged. "We're still family."

Eileen didn't respond, taking another look over at her father and sister. Penny was now giggling at something Andy was telling her, a colorful bandage placed over the cut on her knee with a chocolate bar in one hand. A feeling of guilt washed over Eileen and she turned her head towards Jim again, offering him a timid smile. "Family."

Eileen's lips parted and she stood up straight, catching Jonathan's eye. "I think I might know where she is."

"You want us to come with you?"

"No, no, that's okay," Eileen kindly denied, giving him a warm smile. "But thank you, though."

"Will you let us know when you find her?" Will asked, peering up at the older girl.

Eileen's smile widened and she firmly nodded her head. Then she lifted her arm, ruffling his dark hair with a laugh. "'Course I will."

Will breathed out a chuckle, gently pushing her arms away with a playful roll of his eyes. Jonathan laughed as well, his eyes watching Eileen as she turned and opened her car door. Eileen paused by the door, giving Jonathan and Will a grin. "I'll see you guys later."

"See ya," Jonathan said, giving her a wave.

"Bye," Will said.

Eileen's smile lingered on her lips and she climbed inside her car, starting up the ignition. She carefully backed up the driveway, waving at the Byers one last time before she started to head further out of Hawkins.

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Eileen parked a little down the road from the cabin, wanting to make sure she would have enough room to back up and then turn around to head home, or back into Hawkins if Penny wasn't there. She zipped up her jacket further as the air became colder, more stars visible in the sky as she got further away from the center of Hawkins. She knew the longer it would take her to find Penny the more her father's worry would increase, but she couldn't go home without finding Penny━━━though, it would truly suck if Penny was at home now and no one had told Eileen. Eileen shook her head at the mere thought, scoffing to herself; of all the times she's had to go searching for Penny, never once has she returned home before Eileen could find her.

Eileen highly doubted that that would be the night it finally happened.

The fallen leaves crunched beneath her feet as she crept closer to the cabin, listening to peaceful sounds of nature that surrounded her. The aging cabin was in full view, the brown shade making it almost blend in with the nearby trees.  The roof almost appeared like it was starting to sag inwards, the wood siding starting to splinter near the ends. The windows were stained with dirt and grime, the curtains on the inside blocking Eileen from seeing if the inside was just as rough as the outside.

It looked like no one had been in there for years now━━━not even her father or Jim just to maintain it in case they ever wanted to use it again━━━causing Eileen to frown. She had so many wonderful memories made at the cabin; it was a shame to see it being let go.

Eileen pushed the thought aside for now and moved closer, stopping near one of the tall trees. There was a strange feeling that washed over her as she stood there, causing her to furrow her brows. She cautiously glanced around the cabin, a frown etched on her lips. She looked down at the ground, something suddenly catching her eye. She curiously tilted her head and kneeled down to get a closer look, peering at the skinny piece of wire in confusion. It almost looked like. . .a trap. . .or some kind of sound alarm. She quickly lifted her head, brows still furrowed as she stood up.

Hopper said he hadn't used the place in years, and she was certain her father hadn't either.

So, neither of them could've been the ones to put the wire up.

If it wasn't either of them, then who was it?

Eileen carefully stepped over the wire and made her way towards the front door, ignoring the strange sensation that was bubbling in her stomach. She could've sworn she heard movement come from inside when she got closer, but that sparked a glint of hope in Eileen. Maybe it was Penny. Since she also knew that Hopper didn't use the place anymore, maybe she started going there whenever she wanted some alone time.

It made sense, didn't it?

It wasn't going to be a complete and total stranger. . .was it?

Eileen slowly stepped up the porch, scrunching up her nose when the steps creaked under her. "Uh, Penny?" Eileen called out, stepping in front of the door. She knocked a few times, waiting a few seconds to see if she would get a reply. "It's me. . .you know, your sister."

No response.

"Pen, please, if you're in there━━━"

The sound of the lock un-clicking made Eileen's lips smack shut. She watched the door, twisting her lips as the doorknob started to turn. The door opened a few seconds later, but no one was standing there. Eileen raised a skeptical brow, stealing a peek inside. There was a TV on the left in front of a tattered couch and a recliner that weren't there the last time Eileen was at the cabin. The spare bedroom door was shut, but Eileen assumed it most likely looked the same as before. The kitchen appeared to have been restored and cleaned up━━━as much as it could anyways━━━with a few newer looking appliances on the counters. The kitchen table was still in the same spot with a lamp in the corner of it, a thing of maple syrup left beside it. "Pen?" Eileen called out. She huffed when she didn't get a response and stepped inside, placing her hands on her hips. "I swear, if you're messin' with me, you little shit━━━"

Eileen jumped in surprise when the door slammed shut. But, there wasn't anyone behind there.

How did that━━━

Eileen's eyes slightly widened, a rush of adrenaline shooting through her veins. Another door squeaked open and Eileen gulped, turning her head to face the figure as their feet shuffled over the floor. Her jaw instantly dropped, a stunned gasp slipping past her lips when her eyes fell on the two figures standing  across from her.

"Holy fuckin' shit," Eileen breathed out in disbelief.

Her eyes instantly darted to Penny for an explanation and she sheepishly smiled. "Uh, hi, Leen. How's-how's it hangin'?"

Eileen scoffed, raising her brows. "How-how is that all you have to say right now?"

"What do you want me to say?" Penny nonchalantly shrugged. "She's back━━━she's alive, Leen."

Eileen's gaze fell on the other girl, blinking a few times to make sure she wasn't seeing a ghost or something. The girl sheepishly looked away, fiddling with her fingers as if she was nervous. Eileen's features immediately softened, giving her a small smile when she caught her eye again. "Eleven?"

Eleven partially returned Eileen's smile. "H-hi."

Eileen let out a shaky breath and slowly walked over to the girl. Penny moved to the side, a small smile on her lips as well. Eleven watched Eileen, a sparkle in her eyes as the older came to a stop in front of her. Eileen easily noticed Eleven's hair was longer than before. She no longer had a buzzcut, instead of having dark brown curls that rested on top of her head. She'd grown a few inches taller, almost taller than Penny as they stood side by side. Her face was a little more round and her clothes seemed to fit her better━━━a sign she was getting more nutrition, thankfully. And actually, it almost looked like the clothes were some of Eileen's old clothes she thought she'd handed down to Penny.

Eileen's smile widened and she reached forward, wrapping her arms around Eleven. Eleven happily hugged the older girl back, momentarily closing her eyes at the warmth Eileen's hug brought.

They pulled away a few seconds later and Eleven softly smiled up at Eileen. Eileen tore her gaze away from Eleven, eyes flickering between Eleven and Penny. "But how?" Eileen wondered. "How the hell is this possible?"

"Uncle Jim," Penny answered. "He found her in the woods last year and brought her here, but you can't tell anyone━━━and I mean anyone, Leen. You have to swear you won't tell anyone, and that includes Dean."

Eileen deeply frowned at that. "What? Shouldn't the others know━━━"

"No," Penny quickly interjected, firmly shaking her head. "It's not safe yet. I-we shouldn't even know."

"How'd you even find her?" Eileen demanded to know, suspiciously narrowing her eyes on her little sister. "Why'd you come here in the first place?"

Penny quietly sighed, remaining silent for a few seconds as if she didn't really want to answer her sister. "I. . .I came here to get away from-from everything," Penny confessed. "After everything that happened last year. . .I never really have a moment to myself anymore."

Eileen frowned, offering Penny a sad smile when she looked up again. "You know, you could've just asked me to give you some space," she said. "You didn't have to run off somewhere━━━wait, when did you start coming here?"

Penny nervously laughed, rocking back and forth on her feet. "Um, for a little over a week now?"

Eileen's eyes tripled in size. "A damn week━━━Penelope! What the actual fuck?! You've known she's been here and you didn't think to freakin' tell me?"

"I already told you, it's not safe for everyone else to know."

"Wait, does Hopper know that you know?" Penny pursed her lips together at Eileen's question, sharing a look with Eleven. Eileen loudly groaned, throwing her hands up in emphasis. "Son of a bitch."

Penny opened her mouth to defend herself, but it smacked shut when they heard the slam of a car door. Eileen's noticeably widened, a shaky breath slipping past her lips. "El, hide!" Penny frantically whispered, giving the girl a nudge towards the bedroom behind them.

"Maybe it's━━━"

"Come on!" Penny urged, grabbing Eileen's hand and tugging her into the room. Eleven  opened the door and they hurried inside, quietly closing the door behind them. Eleven was deeply frowning, her eyes constantly flickering between Penny and Eileen. Usually, Hopper would give her a signal when he was on his way, but this time he didn't; or, maybe, she'd been distracted by Penny and didn't hear it.

"Uh, you girls wait in here, I'm━━━"

"Eileen, wait," Eleven said, fear swirling in her brown eyes.

Eileen offered Eleven and Penny a small smile, holding her hand out as a sign for them to stay put. "I'll be fine. Just wait in here. I'm only gonna see who it is."

Penny went to object, but Eileen gave her a sharp glare that kept her quiet.

Eileen then slipped out of the room and shut the door, tip-toeing towards the door as a figure moved up the porch steps. She grabbed the closest object she saw━━━the tv remote━━━just as a precaution. It most likely wouldn't help her much, but it could be enough to hit someone and distract them long enough for the girls to escape if need be. She quietly moved towards the door, letting out a surprised squeak when the door started to open. She firmly pressed her back against the wall, sucking a deep breath as the door opened. The figure stepped inside and grabbed the door, starting to close it behind them.

Eileen rushed forward and swung the remote, hitting them in the side of the face just as she saw who it was.

"Ow! What the f━━━" Jim scrunched up his face in pain, gingerly rubbing his hand over his face where Eileen had hit him. He let out a huff, gaping at the young girl. Another door opened and Eleven stepped out, Penny peering out from behind the door only to lock eyes with her uncle. Jim's face immediately fell, heavily sighing at the realization not one niece, but both nieces now knew that Eleven was alive, and in his custody. "Shit."

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Hi everyone!! This took a little longer than I was hoping, but it did come out faster than the last chapter so that's something!!

In case anyone was wondering about Sarah/Diane, the flashback was set before they found out Sarah had cancer! I was gonna include them, but tbh I just wanted this chapter done and I think it actually kinda fits better without them + it's not too long!!

Also, I'm pretty sure the closeness of the houses are wrong, but I'd already wrote it as this before I realized and I couldn't think of what else to put there instead, so we're just gonna keep it like this and maybe I can like retcon it later or something idk lmaoooo.

But anyways please don't forget to leave your feedback in the comments and I hope y'all enjoyed!