Julie, Lucas and Dustin stand in front of the mysterious girl they found. She is sitting on the basement sofa, still wearing Julie's raincoat.

Mike returns and wraps a blanket around Julie who thanks him. He turns to the girl and asks her, "Is there a number we can call? For your parents?"

"Where's your hair? Do you have cancer?"

"Dustin!" Julie smacks Dustin upside his head. "Sweetie-"

"Is that blood?" Lucas points at the girl's shirt and Mike slaps his hand away.

"Stop it, you're freaking her out!" Mike snaps.

"She's freaking me out!" Lucas retorts.

"I bet she's deaf." Dustin claps his hands in front of the girls face, causing her to flinch and back away. "Okay, not deaf."

Julie smacks him upside his head again. "Of course she's not deaf! Did you forget what happened in the woods? Now stop freaking her out!"

"Yeah, she's scared and cold." Mike walks over to the laundry basket and grabs some clean clothes. He walks back over to the girl and offers them to her. "Here. These are clean, okay?"

The girl accepts the clothes and stands up to take off Julie's raincoat. She then starts to pull of the oversized shirt making the boys look away as Julie stops her.

"No, sweetie! Not here." Julie points to the bathroom. "Over there is the bathroom and it's for privacy." She takes the girl's hand and leads her there with Mike following them. As she starts to close the door, the girl stops her.

Mike gives the girl confused look. "You don't want it closed?"

"No." The girl shaking her head.

Julie and Mike smile at each other. "So you can speak. How about the door just like this?" Julie leaves the door open a crack. "That's three inches. Better?"

"Yes." The girl nods.

The two smile at the girl before walking away. "Okay, boys. I'll go upstairs and get her something to eat. Keep an eye on her."

After Mike nods, she heads up the stairs and opens the basement door, then heads into the kitchen to see Karen.

"Oh, Julie! I didn't know you were here."

"Just wanted to see the boys for a little bit and cheer them up about Will. I wanted to get them a snack before heading back home, if that's okay?"

"Of course, dear! You know you never need to ask, you're family. We can never thank you enough for looking after the kids."

"Thanks, Mrs. Wheeler." Julie smiles.

"Julie." Karen speaks in a stern tone.

Julie chuckles. "...Thanks, Karen."

"You're welcome." Karen kisses the top of Julie's head and heads upstairs.

Julie opens the freezer and grabs the pizza bites. After heating them in the microwave, she hurries back to the basement. She finds the girl back on the sofa and changed in the clothes Mike gave her. She puts the plate of pizza bites on the coffee table and crouches in front of the girl. "Got you something to eat. Now can you tell us your name? I'm Julie. That's Mike, Lucas and Dustin."

The girl rolls up her sleeve revealing a tattoo with the number 011.

"Eleven. That's your name?" The girl nods. "It's really pretty, sweetie."

"We can call you El for short. Like me, I'm Mike but my full name is Michael. And Julie, we call her Jules. Do you like that?"

The girls smile at each other and Julie stands up.

"Okay, I have to get home now. I'll come back tomorrow after school. Will you be good until then?" Eleven nods once more.

"Good." Julie gets up and stands next to Mike, whispering "Give her eggos tomorrow morning."

Mike nods and before Julie can leave, he calls out to her. "And Julie? Thanks for the bracelets."

The boys lift up their arms, revealing the bracelets she made for them and can't help but also think of Will. She smiles at them and leaves.

Hopper returns home and the first thing he does is go to check on his daughter.

As he stops in front of her room, he smiles seeing the door cracked open and peeks through the gap to see Julie sleeping. He gently pushes the door open to step inside and cover her with the blanket.

"Good night, kiddo." He kisses her forehead and walks back over to the door, leaving it open a crack. "...Three inches."

"...Do you think you'll find him today?" Julie asks her father who is dropping her off at school.

He sighs. "I don't know but I'll try my best. Okay?"

"I know you will. See you later."

Before she can leave the car, Hopper pulls her into a hug to give each other some reassurance. "I love you. Be safe, alright?"

"Love you too." She pats his back. "If someone really did take Will, make sure to tase them for me."

He sighs. "I should have never given you that taser. You tried to tase that Bobby kid for like five minutes.

"It was his fault! I don't know who taught him eating someone else's French fries was a great way to flirt." She tries defending herself.

The car door from Julie's side suddenly opens and Eddie pokes his head in.

"Hello, my eternal love." Eddie bows and offers his hand making Julie giggle and her father roll his eyes at his antics. After helping Julie out, he gently pushes her towards the school entrance. "I need to have an important discussion with your father. We'll talk later."

Watching Eddie get into her father's car, an amused Julie shakes her head and goes into the school.

"Morning, sheriff. After you find Will, is there a chance that you could put me behind bars?" He asks, shocking the sheriff. "You know, for safety reasons?"

"What did you do?" Hopper asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Sonia Sinclair has threatened my life. She mentioned using kitchen utensils."

Julie spots Jonathan hanging a missing poster of Will on the bulletin board with Sonia next to him.

"Jon!" She runs up to him and hugs him tightly. "I'm so sorry about Will. Maybe if I had stayed with the kids then-"

"Hey, hey." He pulls her away so he can put his hands on her shoulders. "It's not your fault. Don't start blaming yourself for this. We'll find him, okay?"

She nods as Sonia wraps her arms around both Jonathan and Julie's shoulders. "I know you two aren't forgetting me."

Julie giggles. "Of course not. Who could ever forget you?"

"You got that right, bitch. And you." Sonia pokes his forehead. "Stop worrying so much before that giant brain of yours explodes."

"...Aren't you the smartest one out of us? You have a 4.5 gpa." Jonathan states.

"And don't you forget it." Sonia grins as he rolls his eyes. However her smirk soon fades when she notices a certain group watching them. "...Oh here they go. Steve Harrington and his posse are staring at us."

"Just ignore them." Julie mutters.

"Wanted to let you both know that I'm going to see my dad. I want to know if he has Will." He informs them, taking Julie's advice.

"...Do you really think Lonnie has him?" Julie asks.

"Not sure. But I'm going to find out."

"Shoot... I would go with you but I have someone that I need to go see after school." Julie tells him, looking apologetic.

"It's fine. Besides, I was planning on going alone anyway. Once the bell rings, I'm heading out."

"Wait, you're going now?" Julie asks with a surprised expression.

"You know I would scold you for skipping class but in this case it's understandable. Don't worry, Jules. I'll go with him." Sonia reassures her.

"What? Why?!" He yells-whispers.

"I want to help in finding Will too." Sonia giving him a duh look.

"But what about your classes-"

"Did you forget that I'm the student with the highest grades in this school? Jules and you come close though." Sonia reminds him with a smirk.

"No no no no, I refuse to be left alone with you! I'm going by myself!" He refuses, shaking his head.

"The hell you are. Now shut up, you're driving." Sonia tells him in a stern tone.

"Julie, help me out here!" He pleads.

"I'm missing the opportunity of a road trip." Julie pouts.

Sonia snickers and Jonathan gives Julie a look of disbelief but then becomes tense seeing Nancy Wheeler approaching them.

"Hey..."

"Hey." He responds.

"So I just wanted to say, it's you know, um... I'm sorry about everything... Everyone's thinking about you. It sucks."

"Lies." Sonia mumbles.

"Yeah."

"I'm sure he's fine. He's a smart kid." Sonia's eyes roll at Nancy's attempts of making Jonathan feel better.

"We should get going." Sonia speaks before Nancy can continue the conversation.

Julie brings both her best friends into a group hug. "I love you both. Be safe and try not to fight too much."

"Traitor." He whispers.

"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that." Julie lets them go and gives them another smile.

Sonia links arms with Jonathan and pulls him with her to the doors leading outside.

"Let's go, Johnny!"

He sighs. "Please stop calling me that!"

"There's going to be a party at Steve's house if you want to come. And Sonia is welcomed to come too." Nancy brings up.

"Nancy, I can't think about partying when one of my kids is missing." Julie looks at the Wheeler girl in disbelief.

"But this could help you relax a bit. We haven't hung out in a while. And I'm sure your dad will find him." Nancy tries to persuade her. "And Steve misses you."

"Nancy-"

"How much you want to bet that he killed his brother? Maybe Munson helped him get rid of the body."

"Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?!"

Having enough, Julie is about to march over to Harrington's crew and Nancy tries to calm her down when she is suddenly picked up and thrown over a familiar shoulder, shocking both girls.

"EDDIE, PUT ME DOWN!" Julie screams while hitting his back.

"Sweetheart, use my shoulder to relax and let me handle the pawn." Eddie gently pats her leg while walking over to Steve and his lackeys. "And yes, you have my permission to enjoy the view."

Julie glares at the Wheeler girl who snickers.

"Repeat that, Thomas." Eddie speaks to Tommy not bothered by the looks he's getting for having the Hopper girl on his shoulder.

"Why is the freak speaking to us?" Carol asks with attitude.

"Caroline, I believe I'm speaking to your lame-ass boyfriend." Eddie snaps making Carol's jaw drop.

"You should watch what you say.

I ever catch you saying something like that again, the next thing your eyes will see is my pepper spray and your tiny toy down there will be saying hi to my taser. Do I make myself clear?!"

"Hey, Julie. Easy." Steve gently grabs Julie's shoulders, pulling her away from Tommy.

"Am I not allowed to give my opinion about those losers? It's what everyone is thinking! Am I wrong?"

"Hey don't compare your sick twisted minds to the rest of us." Nancy tells him, disgusted by his actions.

"You don't speak for everyone. Maybe I'll tell Sheriff Hopper to take you in for questioning since you're throwing accusations around." Chrissy steps in as Steve continues to hold onto Julie to stop her from attacking Tommy.

"And what would Jason think of you doing that?" Tommy takes a step forward, now looking smug.

"He doesn't control me. And do you really think he's going to take your side over mine? Since you want to use titles, Jason is captain of the football team. I'm captain of the cheerleading team. Julie is one of the top five students in the school. What are you besides being Steve's lackey? Hmm? What power do you have?" Chrissy taunts him, fixing his jacket's collar. "Keep your mouth shut. Okay?"

Tommy realizing he's lost, quickly walks away as Carol follows him like a lost puppy.

Chrissy jumps when she hears a pained grunt and looks to see Steve hunched over, his arm over his stomach.

"Steve, talk to me again when you get better friends." Julie snaps, looping her arm with Chrissy's and walks away from him.

"Is that the thanks I get for preventing her from going to prison?" Steve mutters in pain as Nancy gently pats his back.

"When did you get so sassy?" Julie asks.

"Well I have been around Sonia and you too much. You're bad influences on me." Chrissy shrugs. "Plus I had to stop you from turning the hallway into an crime scene."

"Good bad influences." Julie corrects her.

After school, Eddie drives behind Mike, Lucas and Dustin, following them to the Wheeler's home.

"You know your dad will find him, right? He's the best cop in town. And of course, I'll keep a lookout too." Eddie reassures her.

"Thanks, Eddie." She says, giving him a small smile.

Arriving at the Wheeler's home, Julie tells Eddie she'll be right back and hurries after the boys. Before she can follow them upstairs, Holly runs up to her.

"Julie!" Holly squeals.

"Aww, there's my cutest rugrat!" Julie grins, picking the little girl up and spinning her around. "Have you been a good girl?"

Holly nods. "Play?"

"We'll play another time. I have some things to discuss with your big brother. So just wait a few days and we'll play until you tire me out, okay?"

Holly agrees and hugs her. After putting the child down, Julie hurries upstairs to Mike's room. When Eleven sees Julie, she rushes to her and wraps her arms around her waist, surprising the teen.

"Oh!"

"She's been asking for you. I think she's missed you." Mike informs her, smiling.

Julie smiles and hugs Eleven back. "Aww! Aren't you the sweetest?"

"Onto more important things, are you out of your mind?" Lucas asks Mike.

"Just listen to me-"

"You are out of your mind!" Lucas yells.

"She knows about Will." Mike says making Julie's eyes widened.

"What do you mean she knows about Will?" Dustin asks.

Mike walks over to his desk and takes a picture with the five of them and holds it up. "She pointed at him. She knew he was missing, I could tell."

Julie leads Eleven back over to the bed and sits her down. She then crouches down in front of Eleven. "Have you seen Will before, sweetie?"

Eleven nods and Mike speaks again. "And she said bad people were after her."

"Bad people? If bad people are after her, we should take her to my dad-"

"No!" Mike shouts, startling Julie. "Eleven said telling any adult would put us in danger!"

"What kind of danger?" Dustin asks.

"Danger, danger." Mike makes his fingers as a gun, pointing it at Dustin's head then at Lucas who smacks his hand away.

"No, no, no! We're telling Julie's dad! He's the sheriff! If he can get his daughter out of trouble, he can get us out of trouble!"

Lucas heads to the door when he opens it, it is suddenly slammed shut.

"...Was that just me or did you rugrats see that too?" Julie asks, slowly standing back up.

Dustin's eyes widened and he rushes over to Julie's side, hiding behind her. Lucas opens it up again, only for it to be slammed shut again. They watch the lock turn by itself and turn around to see Eleven with blood running down her nose.

"No."

Soon after, Julie has the boys wait outside the room so that she can talk to the younger girl.

Eleven sits on the bed and Julie places her duffle bag next to the young girl.

"So I brought you some of my clothes. Hopefully they fit but it's better than nothing." Julie says, unzipping the bag.

Eleven smiles. "...Pretty."

Julie's eyes widened and points at herself. "Me? You think I'm pretty?" Eleven nods. "Aww, you're so adorable!"

"A...dor...able?"

"It's sorta means like someone who is being very cute... You called me pretty so that makes you adorable." Julie explains with a sweet smile.

"...Mike is adorable."

Julie giggles. "Did Mike give you eggos this morning?"

Eleven nods.

"Did you like them?"

She nods again.

"Good. One day, I'll make sure that you get my dad's triple-decker eggo extravaganza! And from me, I'll make you my triple chocolate and vanilla milkshake! You up for that?"

She nods and Julie giggles again.

"...Have you always had powers?"

"...Yes."

"Ever since you were born?"

"Yes."

Julie sighs. "El... Do you know where Will is?"

"He's...in another place."

"Another place? Like another town or country?"

Before Eleven can respond, they hear honking coming from outside.

"Looks like my special freak is in need of my attention." Julie sighs and gently strokes Eleven's cheek with her thumb. "I have to go now. My job at Uncle Benny's awaits. If I have time after, I'll come back, okay?"

Julie puts up her pinky finger, confusing the younger girl.

"Wrap your pinky around mine. It's a pinky swear, another version of a promise. It means that I'll keep my word no matter what." Julie explains with a smile.

Eleven slowly brings up her pinky and wraps it around Julie's, smiling back at the older girl.

"...I'm sorry, Jim." Hopper's fellow officer pats his shoulder.

A tearful Hopper is kneeling next to the Benny's body that is currently covered by a sheet.

"I... I should've known something was wrong. I-"

"No, you couldn't have. We all know how Benny was. Whenever that man got ideas for a new recipe, he never pick up the phone and close up the diner for a few days. You can't blame yourself." The officer tries to reassure him.

Hopper doesn't respond and his eyes suddenly widened. "Julie. She's working today. I have to-"

But as soon he stands up, he hears another officer shouting his daughter's name...

When Julie reaches the back, it feels as time slows when she sees a glimpse of a body covered by a sheet. The sight is eventually covered by her father who steps in front of her.

"Julie, hey-"

"Who is that?" She quietly asks, eyes widened.

"Let's talk outside, okay?" He

(Julie, Eddie, Hopper - Benny)

(might include or wait beginning of next chapter)

After a moment, Eleven nods and gets up, walking over to the desk with dungeons & dragons board.

"What's the weirdo doing?" Lucas asks, earning a smack on the arm from Julie.

The four get closer to see what she's doing. Eleven closes her eyes and when her head jerks up, she opens her eyes. She grabs Will's D&D piece, that Julie bought for him, off the board.

"Will." Eleven says, holding the Cleric figurine.

"Superpowers." Dustin says.

"Did you see him? On Mirkwood?" Mike asks.

Eleven shoves all the game pieces off the board and flips it over so that only the black side is showing. She places Will's piece on the middle of the board.

"...She put the board upside down..." Julie mumbles. "Sweetie, are you saying that you saw Will in a place called the upside down?"

Eleven nods.

"I am so confused." Lucas shakes his head.

"Well, what's he doing there?" Mike asks.

"Hiding." Eleven answers Mike.

"Will is hiding from what exactly?"

Eleven places a monster piece onto the board.

"The demogorgon?!" Dustin gulps.

Julie and the boys look at each other worryingly.

Not me mentioning three inches already! Hopper's letter to El destroyed me so I thought about having three inches playing a significant role throughout this series. What do you think?

Thoughts about Chrissy vs Tommy? That was a last minute thing, something I just came up with.

So what do you all think of Julie's character so far? Her growing bond with El? And her friendships with Sonia and Jonathan?