Bloody Noses & Crack'd Crowns

Chapter 35

I DO NOT OWN THIS STORY. All credit goes to TheWeaverofWorlds on ao3

The following day, Beverly had plans to meet up with Audra and show her around. Luckily the weather decided to cooperate. Beverly couldn't have dreamed up a better day. The air had a cool crispness to it, and there was not a cloud in the sky.

Standing at the bus stop across from the Aladdin was Audra. She looked out of place in Derry with her tight plaid skirt and platform boots. Beverly knew people were staring, but Audra didn't seem to mind. It was like she was used to being at the center of attention, and in she seemed to glow in it. However, Beverly was loathe to keep her waiting, so she hurried to cross the street.

Audra's expression brightened when she saw her. Before, Beverly hadn't sensed a trace of Audra looking unsure, but there it was only defined by the sense of relief with her arrival.

"Hi, Bev! I hope you don't mind me calling you Bev. Ben said that's your preferred nickname?"

"Of course, that's fine."

"Here, these are for you." Audra passed a box of fancy bonbons to Beverly.

"You didn't need to do that."

Audra shrugged like it was no biggie, but both girls knew how weird this was.

"So Derry isn't as interesting as London, but I have a few things planned if you want," Beverly said as she carefully tucked the chocolates into her bag.

Audra linked arms with Beverly, "of course I want! Show me your hometown."

"Well it's too cold to go out to the quarry, but I thought maybe we could hang around city center, maybe window shop if you'd like, before meeting the others at Bassey Park."

"That sounds perfect!"

"Great. I don't suppose we could stop somewhere for some drinks. I'm rather parched."

Beverly nodded. "Closest is probably Keene's Pharmacy. It's just down the road."

"Lead the way."

Beverly and Audra walked down the street towards Keene's Pharmacy arm in arm. Everyone who saw them thought they were sisters first, before wondering why they weren't in school. Beverly asked Audra about how she found the bus ride, and what their mothers were up to for the day.

"They're working on getting a rental car. Of course they aren't sure for how long," Audra said, glancing away shyly.

Beverly felt guilty. It was because she hadn't been able to give her mother a definitive answer on leaving. Every time she thought about moving to London she couldn't help but freeze. It would be so different. She would know no one. She'd be alone.

"But they don't seem too worried," Audra said after a pause. "How did the move go?"

Beverly smiled. "Really well. Ben and Stan were super helpful, and then later Eddie and Richie came over with cookies."

"You're lucky to have such good friends."

"I know." She felt guilty for not letting them in on her secret, but she knew it was for the best. "Hey, I have a question for you if you don't mind me asking."

Audra tilted her head curiously, and Beverly took that as an invitation to continue.

"Well Phillips is my mom's maiden name, but you and Aunt Mira use it too?"

Audra nodded. "My mom never wanted to take my dad's name, she said it was for business purposes. She had already made a name for herself in the fashion market when they met and she wanted to maintain brand recognition. Their marriage didn't last long, they were in the process of divorce when my mom found out she was pregnant with me so I got her last name instead of his."