𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 ; 𝘛𝘦𝘥 𝘹 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯 ✗

𝟓.

1957

Going back to school after spring break, Ted felt more confident in his appearance. He'd gotten a makeover from Prescott, consisting of new clothes, a hair cut, and a little bit of acne cream. He looked good for once. He felt even better, his entire mood elevated by the simple things he should've always had. At Pres' house he was able to get a good nights rest without hearing loud moans every night and having to sleep on the couch. He actually ate at breakfast time instead of waiting til dinner. The only meal his mother would remember to feed him. And on top of that, he had people to talk to. Before he was always alone, his mother always out.

The boy slowly realized how better his life was without Maya. Resenting her for not giving him the life he deserved.

No one noticed him when he walked through the school doors, which discouraged him a bit. But then he saw someone he hadn't seen before. A new guy, handsome face, dark skin. Ted just standing and staring at the guy for a moment, his brain processing his confusion.

He often mistook attraction for acknowledging an attractive face, which made him conflicted. Ted never really felt anything for a girl, at first because no one gave him the time of day. But sometimes it concerned him how even the magazines Brandon used to show him weren't enough to get his blood pumping. Everything was numb. Not working the way it should. And his brother used to tease him endlessly for it.

So then there was a part of him that feared the only other possibility, that like his father and Prescott, he was too into men. But even just the word homosexual still repulsed him and he wanted nothing to with it. At least with women he could see himself being in a relationship with one.

But still, there was something about the new guy that gave Ted the urge to introduce himself. So, after taking a deep breath, he just went for it. Besides his staring was starting to get a little creepy. Might as well get practice talking to people. And what better than someone who doesn't know your embarrassing reputation?

"You're new and—well you know you're knew but um, I just wanted to uhh...introduce myself, I'm Theodore—Teddy—Ted. Wheeler."

"Ricky Sinclair." They shook hands, Ted's palm sweaty with nervousness. His heart beating roughly. The boy regretting this interaction already because now he'd have to deal with the stress of holding a conversation. Something he didn't feel like he was ready for. "So, I know we just met but I was wondering..."

"Jeez Louise, Rick! At least buy me dinner first!" Ted joked, a sense of humor peaking out that he never knew he had. There wasn't much room to be funny when the only thing keeping him content was chicken.

Rick chuckled, Ted admiring his perfectly pearly and straight teeth. "I like you already Ted Wheeler. There's this party over in Hawkins. Some of my old friends are throwing it and if you're not too busy—?

"Sure, I love parties—well I don't but, I've never been to one so maybe I do? Sorry, I'm a mess." Ted felt like the more he talked, the more he was blowing his chances at forming a friendship, but Rick gave him the reassurance he needed to see that that was further from the truth.

"No, don't apologize! At least you'll talk to me. Everyone else's scared I'll give em ebola—here let me write you the address."

Ricky pulled at a piece of paper, scribbling down words on it. Ted watched him, not even noticing his difference in complexion compared to everyone else. Not in the way other people did. Sure, they were in the North, nothing being legally segregated like it was in southern states. But that didn't stop his peers from being racially bias. Hating on what they weren't used to seeing.