"AND....DONE!" CARLA EXCLAIMED, SETTING THE BOTTLE OF HAIRSPRAY DOWN.

At those words, Eleven opened her eyes, meeting her reflection with a light smile.  The young girl admired the slight curl that trailed down her forehead, the rest of it being curled and pinned behind her ears, as well as the light purple eye shadow that made her eyes glimmer.  It was perfect.  "Pretty?"

"Prettier than ever." Carla replied, placing her hands on Eleven's shoulder, admiring the work she'd done for the girl herself.  After getting a rather expected call from Hopper, telling her he needed help getting El ready for the Snowball—the winter dance that had been a tradition at Hawkins Middle since forever—Carla couldn't say no.  Eleven deserved to look her best on this night; it was her first real night out.

Besides, it wasn't like Eleven minded having Carla over either. Ever since they'd defeated the Mind Flayer and saved Will, she'd been coming over to spend time with the Hopper girl—yes, Hopper had finally adopted Eleven as his own.  Carla believed it would be good for the girl to have a female influence in her life, someone she could learn from a talk too about things Hopper and the boys wouldn't understand.

"Thank you." Eleven glanced up at the elder girl, a light smile still plastered on her face.  Though she'd learned more through the month, the brunette was still a girl of few words.  So, when she did speak, it meant something.

"Of course, El." Carla replied, squeezing the girls shoulders.  Nodding towards the door, Carla added, "Want to go show Hop?" The younger girl nodded, walking right past the blue dress she'd be wearing to her father to show the man her face and hair.

Carla had been pleased when she found out Hopper was going to try and adopt Eleven as his own.  Not only had they already had a bond, they'd become each other's family.  Hopper was the healthy father figure El could look up too, and  Eleven was the daughter that Hopper had begged to have back.  They weren't alone anymore; they had each other.

Following after the younger girl, Carla watched as Hopper's eyes widened at the sight of his daughter's makeup and hair—she wasn't going to put the dress on until later, there was still a little under an hour before the dance actually started.

"Wow." Hopper seemed rather surprised at how she looked. He gave Carla a look, as if she'd done too much. "You really outdid yourself, kid."

Carla shrugged, "You told me to get her ready, so that's what I did.  I think she looks great, and with the dress it'll look even better."  Eleven's smile didn't falter as more compliments flowed her way.  Carla looked at the girl, slightly changing the conversation. "Speaking of the dress—do you need any help with it?

"I got it." Eleven shook her head.

The Wheeler gave a nod, "Okay, then I'm gonna head back to my house to get ready. Call me if you need anything."  The older man gave a nod, and Eleven sent a small wave her way.  The brunette gave a final goodbye before leaving the old cabin, "See you at the dance."

Her car was parked in the driveway—for once she'd actually driven somewhere herself—but after a few moments, it was on its way back to the Wheeler household.  She didn't have much to do to herself, so the good forty minutes she had would be enough.

Driving past bare trees and dry grass, Carla took in the winter appearance that Hawkins was starting to show.  It hadn't snowed yet, but the air had a fresh chill to it that slightly clipped your skin—you'd definitely need a jacket if you were planning on standing outside for long.

Parking her car right besides her mothers, the Wheeler entered her house quickly.  Karen was busy taking photos of Mike who was standing on the staircase with a displeased look.  Clearly, this photo montage had been going on for—based on past experience—ten or more minutes.

"Hey, honey." Karen spoke, one eye looking through the lenses of her camera, smile plastered on her face as she looked at her son through it.  Dropping to pick up the photo she'd just snapped, she spoke, "Mike, stay right—oh, wait!" 

Mike's face dropped—not like it had been in much of a smile beforehand. "Alright, that's enough."

"One more, okay? Just one more." 

"Why?" Mike groaned, looking at his older sister for some help, though out of spite, he knew he wouldn't receive from her.  Any sister liked messing with their brother, it was just how it worked. "Carla, please?"

"Just let her take the photos. There's no point in trying to argue." Just as Mike had expected, his words were met with the opposite of what he wanted.  He gave her a dirty glance, Carla defending herself. "I put up with the same crap back in eighth grade, so don't look at me like you're only one."

As the girl passed behind her brother to get to her room, Karen called out, "Make sure you and Nancy come down as soon as you're ready! I want a photo with all three of you!"

"You said this was the last one!"

Carla rolled her eyes, but complied with her mothers words and walked up the rest of the stairs.  She could hear 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' coming from Nancy's room, and glimpsing in, she could see the girl lightly brushing a makeup brush against her eyelid, a palette of eye shadow placed on her vanity.  The girl was already dressed—a red and black plaid dress—and had her hair curled in an up-do.

Reminded of her own hair situation, she peeked her head through the slightly opened door. "Hey, Nance?" the brunette continued when her sister turned to face her, "Where'd you put the curlers?"

"Bathroom." Nancy replied, looking back at her mirror so she could make sure her eye shadow was neatly done, nothing spread out of place. "They should be ready for you to use."

"Thanks." Carla walked into her family's bathroom, flicking on the light switch.  As expected, the curlers were sitting on the bathroom counter.  It didn't take long for the Wheeler to have them situated in her hair, leaving them in for a good amount of time before rolling them out again. 

While her hair had been sitting in the curlers, she'd taken the time to add some light blue eye shadow to her eyes, just as she'd done to Eleven—except in purple.  It gave her face a pop of color, just what the occasion called for.

Carla cherished the moments she took making herself look pretty.  She didn't curl her hair everyday, or wear too much makeup—nothing more than blush, lip gloss and some light eye shadow.  So, on the days when she put effort into her appearance, it made her feel special.  

After finishing on her hair, she braided a few strands back, creating a half up, half down do.  It kept her makeup on display while allowing her to still style it into something that looked pretty.   Checking herself in the mirror afterwards, she declared herself good to go, and left the bathroom to go change.

Nancy's music had stopped, declaring that she'd finished getting ready and was currently waiting for Carla—along with Mike and her mother—so a photo could be snapped.  Carla took that as her cue to hurry up, and quickly slipped on her dress, flattening out any creases that had been made.

Taking a final look in her mirror, noticing the bright flowers that popped off her dress and complimented her makeup, she smiled.  She looked perfect.

Karen seemed to agree, a warm smile finding its way on to the Wheeler woman's face as she watched her daughter come down the stairs, "Oh, Carla, you look beautiful."

Carla gave a genuine smile, "Thanks, Mom.  Now, let's get these photos over with." Wrapping an arm around Mike—who's posture had slightly gotten more slouched from standing for the past half hour—she started smiling, Nancy at her side as Karen's camera light flashed in their faces.

After another five minutes worth of photos—some with Nancy, some with Mike, some all together, some by herself....and a few more of just Mike—the three Wheeler siblings finally managed to escape their mothers camera and found refuge in Karen's car.

Nancy took the drivers seat and Carla took shotgun, leaving Mike in the back.  It was a rather quiet car ride, the only sound coming from the radio—though the music wasn't even playing too loud. 

So, when the Wheeler pulled into the Hawkins Middle parking lot, the lights and decorations caught their attention at once.  Though the school seemed bland at first glance, once you wrapped around to the front, you could see the effort they'd put on the inside.  Lights shone brightly, illuminating cars.  There was a small banner by the entrance reading, "HMS presents....THE SNOW BALL!" in coordinating colors—blue and silvers, along with snowflakes drawn around the banner.

It was cute, Carla could admit.  Whether or not the kids actually enjoyed it, it was definitely a sweet idea.

Parking the car, all three of the Wheeler's got out and headed inside.  Nancy was in the front leading them all through—she was the one who had an actual job to do.  Carla had just come for the fun of it and to help her sister if necessary, and Mike of course, a student himself, was here to hang out with his friends and make some —hopefully—cherish-able memories. 

Since the dance hadn't officially started yet, there were still a few teachers finishing up decorations.  Mr. Clarke checked Mike in, as well as Nancy—he let Carla in anyway, naming her as a chaperone as well—and the three entered the gym next.

There was tassel hanging everywhere in winter's respective colors, and there was a balloon archway that entered you in, not to mention the balloons that littered the floor too.  Paper snowflakes were taped on the wall, and Christmas trees were set up wherever there was room.   Another banner reading, "Hawkins Middle: Snow Ball of '84" had been stapled up above the DJ set up aswell.

It all sent a wave of nostalgia to Carla. She remembers the excitement she held for her Snowball too, and admired the fact that this tradition still lived on.  She hoped that all of the kids would find it enjoyable, even if they'd rather be doing something else with their time on a Friday night. 

Before even stopping at the punch station—which the girl would be working—Nancy spotted Jonathan over by his camera, and ran over to the Byers' boy with a light smile on her face.  They'd just recently went public, and it was the most happy that Carla had seen either of them in a while.

Nancy's sudden happiness didn't just have to do with her new boyfriend, though.  A little bit after the events of November, an article had been published on Barb's death.  With the help of Murray Bauman—investigative journalist—her and Jonathan had been able to pin her death on Hawkins Lab, getting the building closed for life.  It felt great to know that at least they were getting some revenge for the cruel things that Dr. Brenner had created and done.

With the lab closed, there wasn't any chance at any more experiments, which gave everyone a chance to let their armor down.  Carla didn't have to worry about monsters any more.....right?

The lab closing down had also given Nancy a form of closure about Barb.  She didn't feel as guilty as she had about keeping her death a secret from Mr. and Mrs. Holland, or about the whole situation in general.  Now, her parents could stop hanging on to false hope, and finally accept the fact that their daughter was indeed, gone.

It had been a rather small funeral; just family and close friends—like Nancy—were invited.   Carla was there for her sister, as well as Steve.  Though it wasn't as bad as his ex's, Steve also held some guilt towards Barb's death, and decided it'd be best if he made an appearance too.

Carla walked over to Jonathan next, watching as the boy and her sister embraced, Nancy pressing a kiss to his cheek.   She was next in line, and quickly hugged her best friend with a smile.  The boy let go of her, "Took you long enough."

"You know my mom." Carla shrugged in response, Jonathan giving a small chuckle.  The two Wheeler's and the Byers boy had been hanging out more often together, and though sometimes Carla ended up third wheeling towards the end, it was usually fun.  Carla knew that Jonathan would never hurt Nancy, and she trusted her sister with caring for her best friend.  The were perfect for each other. 

"Okay, I'm gonna head to the punch table, see you two later." Nancy gave a small smile before heading off towards where she'd be chaperoning, a bowl of punch and stacks of cups sitting on the table.  Carla waved, and followed Jonathan back over to his camera, talking with him as students flooded the gym.

Eventually straying away from Jonathan, her eyes came across a group of familiar faces, and approached with a smile, "Hey, guys."

"Hi, Carla." Will stood up to hug the girl, wrapping his arms around her.  The plan had indeed worked, and the Byers boy was returned to his everyday self.  There hadn't been any more odd behavior from him, which gave Carla even more hope that everything was really over.  Her Will was back for good.

"You look great." Carla took in the suit that Will was wearing, scanning over Lucas' appearance as well, "You too, baby boy."

Lucas gave a groan at the return of the nickname he despised, "I'm thirteen! I'm not even a kid anymore."

"Yeah, but it's sweet, baby boy." Max laughed, using the nickname in a teasing tone. Lucas sent her a glare from beside her, but the redhead didn't respond to it, instead looking at the Wheeler, "You look really pretty, Carla."

"Thanks, but look at you." Carla gestured towards her sweater and pink leggings, part of her hair braided back just like the brunette's was.  Even though it wasn't anything overly nice, Carla could tell this outfit was out of Maxine's usual closet.  She never dressed up—she wasn't that type of girl.  "You look adorable."

Max gave a genuine smile at the compliment.  Ever since everything ended, Carla had been keen on making sure the Mayfield was doing alright.  She'd always ask if Billy was tormenting her, and Max always gave honest answers.  Their bond was only beginning.

Billy seemed to realize where he stood, finally.  He hadn't come up to harass Carla yet, and whether that was because he knew what Steve had in him or what Carla had in her, she wasn't sure.  Either way, he seemed to know not to mess with the couple anymore and that pleased the Wheeler.

"Where's Dustin?" Carla asked, noticing his absence among the group.

Mike gave a shrug, "His ride's probably late."

"Well, I guess I'll go outside and wait for him to come." Carla replied, sending another smile towards the group of preteens.  Looking at them—all dressed up, at their first dance—made her realize how grown up they were starting to get.  She'd make it her goal to spend as much time with them this upcoming summer to cherish the final moments of childhood she'd see. "And don't just stand here like loners, go and dance a little bit."

"We will." Lucas nodded.

"Good." Carla answered before heading off towards the gym doors and outside. Passing through groups of eighth graders, she was finally able to push open the school doors, a rush of cold air brushing past her bare arms.  It was indeed cold outside.

Though her eyes didn't spot the Henderson boy, they did spot another preteen. Eleven was slowly approaching the lit up building, her shy eyes slightly lighting up when the spotted the familiar teen.

"You look perfect," a smile grew on Carla's face as  the younger girl approached.  The blue dress had been a good choice, it really made her look like herself. Ever since she was born, Eleven had been seen as a test subject, as nothing worthy.  But here, standing in a nice dress, she looked like a normal thirteen year old girl, nervous for a dance; just as she'd yearned to be.   Now that everything was over, Eleven could put the past behind her and finally live a normal life.

"Pretty." Eleven complimented the older girl, eyes looking at the dress she'd been wearing.  The older girl thanked her, and the Hopper nodded towards the school doors. "Where do I go?"

"When you enter these doors, you're gonna see two others where kids are grouped around; that's where you'll go too." Carla explained, the younger girl nodding at her words. "Go find Mike when you get in, okay? Him and the party are waiting for you."

"Okay." Eleven nodded again, taking in a breath. "See you later?"

"I'll see you later." Carla answered, placing her hand in the younger girls and squeezing it."Now go have some fun, okay?" At her words the younger girl passed right by and headed into the building behind her.  Once the door was shut, signaling that the girl had indeed gone inside, Carla began to rock on her heels, waiting for the curly haired boy to make his appearance.

Luckily for her, within a few minutes, he did.  Carla watched as a rather familiar car met her eyes,  Steve's BMW pulling up right in front of the front doors.   After a few moments of conversation, Dustin emerges from the passenger side.

"Looking snazzy, Dustin." Carla teased, causing the boy to slightly fluster up.  He hadn't been feeling so confident with his look, but with some reassurance from both Steve and Carla, he was now feeling slightly better.

"Thank Steve, he's the one who helped." the boy nodded toward the older one in the driver's seat.  Carla had noticed that Steve and Dustin had been spending more time together after everything.  She knew that Steve was a positive male influence on Dustin—a brother figure—and it made her feel good to see the two bonding.

Steve wouldn't state it out loud, but Dustin had grown on him, too.  The boy was like a little brother who, while annoying at times, made good company in the long run.   Carla could see it in Steve's eyes when he'd talk about the preteen.

"They're all waiting for you." Carla squeezed his shoulder as he passed by, the boy giving a small smile at her words. She repeated the words she'd spoken to all the kids, "Have fun."

"I will."

Ushering the boy away, Carla gazed back at the boy who was exiting his car.  As he leaned up against the side of his car—the side closest to her—his eyes clung to his figure, taking her in.  Steve knew the girl well enough to know that she rarely dressed up, so seeing like this was rare. Rare enough to the point where Steve cherished whenever he got to see this side of her.

"You look—" Steve pulled his girlfriend close, hands lingering around her waist, "—beautiful."

"I thought you'd like it." Carla whispered, leaning in closer to press her lips against his.  Steve cupped her face, pulling her in for a deeper kiss, not minding the students and cars passing around them.

Ever since going public, the two weren't afraid to display their affection.  At first, it had still been limited to the people who'd already known—aka, the kids, Nancy and Jonathan, Hopper and Joyce—but after a while, they couldn't help themselves anymore. 

Pulling away, Carla kept her face inches from his, a small smile placed upon it.  Steve was the one to speak up, saying, "What do you say about going for a ride with me?"

"Where too?" the Wheeler whispered back.

"It's a surprise."

Carla shrugged, "Why not."

Steve stepped out of the way, allowing his girlfriend to get into the passenger seat, crossing to the other side so he himself could take the drivers spot.  The car started up and they started driving to wherever the boy was planning on taking them.

Head leaning against the window, Carla watched as they passed trees and houses.  She was unsure of where they were going, but that was pretty usual.  After their first date—which had been a trip to the movie theaters—Steve had continued taking her places without telling her where.  It didn't bother her, though—it made whatever they were going to do more exciting.

But, it wasn't long before she found out.  Parking the car and getting out, Steve took her hand in one, a blanket in his other,  and led her to a rather familiar spot—Skull Rock; the ever so famous make-out spot of the Harrington boy. 

Carla kept quiet until the two got to the familiar rock,"Did you really drag me away just so you could make-out with me?"

"Maybe." Steve shrugged, soft gaze set on her.

"That's cliche."

"Would you rather me take you back to Hawkins Middle?" Steve replied with a hint of sarcasm, setting the blanket down on the ground. 

Carla broke the distance between them, "Nope, I like this a lot better."

Lips crashing against each other, Carla eventually finds herself on top of her boyfriend, their mouths desperately on one another as if they hadn't seen the other in days. His hands were kneading into the small of her back, hers twisted in his hair as they made-out to their hearts content.   It wasn't unusual for Carla to be in this position, yet every time she found herself here it felt like it was the first all over again. 

Getting flipped so she was now underneath her boyfriend, Carla let out a sigh of pleasure as his lips trailed down her neck, softly nipping at her skin—probably leaving some sort of mark for her to find tomorrow.

Oh, what Carla had done to get to this point in her life.

 A year ago, if you told Carla she'd be here with Steve, she would have laughed in your face.  Last year Carla would have expected to find herself trapped within the void that was her sister and Steve's relationship, watching them grow as a couple, and watching her feelings sink away.  But, here she was; making out with Steve Harrington.

After fighting monsters and almost dying, ending up with Steve in the end felt well deserved. While everything that had happened was less than ideal, the fact that she was now with the boy almost made her slightly appreciative of the events—though she would have rather have had any other circumstance bring the two back to each other.   

The past events had ended up giving everyone a decent outcome, even if it took two years to get there.  Nancy and Jonathan had both confronted the growing feelings for the other, Mike finally had his friend back, Eleven had a normal life,  Hopper had a daughter, Maxine had friends who didn't care about her family line, Dustin found a brother figure in Steve, Lucas found a girl who didn't mind his sometimes dorky personality, Joyce—while losing Bob—had gotten her son back, and Will, who'd gone through the worst of all, was finally back, free of any sort of Upside Down monsters.

Carla couldn't have been more pleased with how her life was turning out, even if it took a few monsters to get here.  Steve was her's, everyone around her was content; everything was perfect.

Little did she know, one summer can change everything. 

𝙴𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝙵 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚃𝚆𝙾!

mara's misc!

and that's a wrap on vanished......

i can't even say how long i've waited to say those words.....

anyway, i'm gonna save all my thoughts and feelings for the authors note.  here's what carla was wearing, btw

( i found it on pintrest, as per usual.)