Half The World Away

You're Not Alone

DERRY, MAINE, JUNE 3RD, 2016: 7.30am

Richie smiles at Eddie as they all have their final breakfast together as a group for a while. Eddie's dressed in a navy blue t-shirt and black jeans, eating his food happily, a lot more relaxed than he had been the day before.  Richie's wearing the stupid t-shirt he'd gotten yesterday with some blue jeans and a zip up hoodie he'd gotten. It's red and doesn't suit him at all, but his friends are used to his weird fashion by now. Once breakfast is all done with, they get in their cars to drive to Bangor so they can take them back to the rental place, apart from Mike, who has his normal car. He'd decided he wanted to drive to New York to give Eddie some emotional support, despite Eddie getting there before him due to catching a flight. Richie's rental car is a red convertible 2016 Mustang, the exact same car he has waiting for him in LA. As he gets into the car, he buckles up and puts his phone on the AUX cord and starts blasting Fearless by Taylor Swift. He puts the top of the car down and pulls out of the parking lot, actively loudly yelling Love Story as he drives, not caring if people can hear him. He liked Taylor Swift. So what?

He parts with the car easily as he pulls into the rental place. He passes the clerk the keys, pays, signs some documents, and then waits for the others with Mike. Richie plays music on his phone to keep the two entertained, and Mike laughs as Richie bops up and down to Mamma Mia by ABBA. Mike joins in, the two singing and laughing as Stanley and Beverly join them outside. Beverly instantly joins in with the shenanigans, Stanley just watching them and laughing loudly. Beverly gets onto Richie's back and he spins them around, the three all yelling the song loudly. They all laugh, but the laughter soon stops when Bill joins them and says, "Eddie has an issue!"

"What's wrong?" Richie asks instantly, Beverly jumping down from his back, all of them looking at Bill with concern.

"Myra's cut off his card, he can't pay for the car. Bens with him, trying to pay for it himself, but Eddie's refusing to let him pay. I think he's going to try and call her." Bill explains and Richie runs toward the rental place, Beverly and Bill following, Mike and Stanley protecting Mike's car.

"Please, just let me pay, Eddie." Ben begs and Eddie's almost crying from frustration, the clerk standing and watching awkwardly as the three rush in.

"You've done enough for me, Ben, no. I'll sort it." Eddie states, glancing at Bill, Beverly, and Richie.

"If he isn't paying, then I am, okay?" Richie states, pulling out his wallet. It's a marvel comics one and Eddie likes that Richie's still obsessed with his superheroes. They used to read comics together all the time, Richie's favourite had always been Spider-Man. Eddie had always preferred Captain America." And don't even refuse me doing this for you, okay?"

"Fine." Eddie sighs as Beverly pulls him into a half hug to calm him down. Richie pays for Eddie's car happily and Eddie feels guilty." I guess she found out about me buying that apartment and cut me off. We have a shared account in my name, so."

"Doesn't give her a right to cut you off, Eddie. That's money that you earn through your hard work." Bill states and Eddie nods a little. Richie thanks the clerk and they all leave the rental place, Eddie clinging to Bev's arm slightly.

"Are you okay?" Stan asks as the five join them.

"Yeah...Richie paid for it. It's okay now." Eddie responds, and then they all look at Mike." Who's going first, Mikey? It's up to you, seeing as you're the designated driver."

"Umm, you, Richie, Beverly and Ben can go first, if you want?" Mike suggests and they all agree with a nod.

"Bill and I can get a taxi, saves you from two trips." Stanley says and Mike smiles, nodding slightly. The four then all back their bags into the trunk of Mikes car. Beverly sits shotgun, whilst Eddie sits in the middle, in between Ben and Richie, his leg brushing against Richie's slightly, making the younger man blush.