change of pace

perspective

chapter twenty one

This week was not as bad as I presumed it would be, especially since Eddie has been sure to stay close at my side any chance he got. When his classes weren't as far, he would race out to walk me to the next one during passing period. Each time I got nervous that he was going to be late to his next, but he assured me that he would "walk as slow as he possible could so he wouldn't miss it". I thought a lot about what happened on Monday with Jason and the expression on Lucas's face. Having all these people I once spent the beginning of my high school career around to now see them mumbling behind my back really put into perspective how better my life has become. Despite losing my mom, being trapped with those cocky fucks probably would have turned me into a miserable person. I'm grateful to have met Eddie in the midst of it all. I really hope Lucas is able to hold onto his friends because it looks like they've gone through everything together and it would be devastating to see that fall apart.

Lucas has been sitting with the basketball team at lunch, but has made sure to say hi to us on his way over there. Gives some hope, but doesn't stop Eddie from making a face every time. Eddie's fingers entwined in mine as we met after the end of sixth period. It's Hellfire day, so Eddie's mood was more fired up than usual and we of course wore our shirts. We walked to the Hellfire room to make sure everything was in place before the start of the meeting. After setting out the chairs and the DM board, Eddie sat in his seat and started looking through his notebook. I scooted a chair next to him and nestled my head on his shoulder reading the scribbled notes. It looked like notes for a homework assignment.

"What ya lookin at?" I say wrapping my arm around his shoulders.
"It's some assignment I have to finish...or else I fail the class." he says and I attempt to read his very messy all uppercase handwriting.
"Do you want me to help?" I take a look at him. He doesn't want to answer.
"Eds, it's fine. What is it? Math?"
"Yeah...it's Algebra..." he says shyly.
"Okay, I can look through my old notebooks and figure it out if you want to spend the night tonight."
"That sounds nice." he smiles at me before kissing the top of my head.
"Okay, well let's go get some snacks before the rest of them arrive." I say and Eddie leaps up grabbing my hand before racing out the door.

We stopped at a gas station and browsed the aisles. I grabbed a big bag of chips and Eddie picked up a case of soda for the kids. We placed it on the counter and I whipped out some allowance money Dad had given me last month. Eddie takes the cash and then tells me to wait in the car which I look at him confused before walking out. The door slam shuts and I buckle my seatbelt still confused why Eddie told me to wait outside. Just then, I see him walking out with two bags with the sodas and chips, and a case of beer. That's why. He smirks seeing me looking through the window and I reach over to open his door for him. Eddie tosses the bags to the back and places the money on my lap before ruffling my hair.

"Eddie!" I say annoyed he didn't use it.
"What?" he says smiling acting like he didn't know.
"I'm paying for lunch next time." I say sighing.
"Nice try, sweetheart, but I'm the one with a job." he grabs my hand and kisses it which I can't help but smile back at him.

Dustin and Mike wait on a bench near the parking lot for us. Eddie skids in fast and the boys immediately rise.

"Where were you two?" Mike asks looking annoyed as per usual.
"Relax, we have a half hour." Eddie says grabbing the heavy bags from the back. I try grabbing one but he pulls away and instead slaps it on Dustin who, of course, carries it.

The room lit up when Eddie pressed the light switch and I took my seat next to his. The two boys smile as they grab a soda from the box and Eddie carries his bag of beer next to me before taking his seat. He hands me the bag of Doritos I pick out earlier which I start to munching on. A beer can is motioned towards me which I nod and Eddie opens it for me. The rest of the club makes their way in, including Lucas, who had just gotten off practice and looked exhausted. Dustin hands him a Mountain Dew which he smiles and starts to chug it down.

Maybe it was the beer, but I felt super tired the whole campaign which Eddie seemed to notice since he called the end sooner than he usually does. The boys all race out to their respective rides. Dustin waits for a moment for us to follow, but Eddie shoos him off and Dustin nods closing the door behind him.

"How about we put aside the homework for tonight and just get you in bed." Eddie says pulling me in by the belt loops of my trousers.
"Okay...but I still want you to stay the night." I say laying my head against his chest listening to his heartbeat.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world..." he holds me close kissing the top of my head.