I Can Explain
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Ben was wrong.
after what happened, nothing was the same.
Mike sold the house, unable to bare what was left of Bill. he ended up quitting football and committing to the bar full time and moving back in with his parents.
Bev and Ben couldn't stay in their dorms anymore, it brought back too many memories. they moved into an apartment across the city, i only really ever saw them occasionally in the university halls. but it seemed everyone was avoiding each other.
the last time we were all together was at Stans funeral. and since then communication stopped. without their leader and the one everyone went to when there was an issue, it fell apart.
it's been months.
even i was sad that we had all gone our separate ways. but i worried about Eddie the most.
he was.. normal.
after everything that's happened, it's like he's numb to it all now. he never wanted to talk about what happened with Bill and Stan, every time i brought it up he changed the subject. he didn't even seem bothered that the others stopped hanging out.
today, we were cuddled up on the couch watching 'Hells Kitchen" when he finally said something.
"i miss them."
i look down at him and rub his arm softly, "i do too."
"i hope Bill is getting the help he needs."
"he killed our friend."
"i know.. but still. i never would've though Bill was capable of that."
"me either," i sigh, "i miss Stan. i even miss his judgmental stare."
"i wonder how everyone else is doing."
"their strong, don't worry about them. maybe one day we'll all get back together." i reassure and kiss his head
he leans into me more and snakes his hand around my waist, "i'm glad i have you."
"i'm glad i have you too." i take his hand in mine, "we should move to Paris. get away from all this."
"Paris?" he asks with a giggle, "the city of love?"
"whats a better place for us? imagine, a house on a hill, big enough for a family, a pool and a garden."
he smiles softly and squeezes my hand, "one day."
Eddie kisses my cheek and gets up, "i should get to work, i'll see you later." he kisses me before going to the door
"i love you."
•
[Eddies POV]
i don't know why i didn't tell Richie where i was really going.
i feel almost guilt for going to visit him. but i cant help but wonder how he's doing in prison.
it was odd to see Bill approach in a grey jumpsuit and his hands cuffed in front of him. he at least looked a little better now that he was clean. but his eyes still carried the same heavy weight. i pick up the phone as he sits down, a piece of glass separating us.
"hey Billy, how are you?"
he holds up his cuffs, "as good as i can be." he sighs, "how are y-you and the others?"
i give him a small smile, "after what happened we all kind of feel apart. i haven't heard from them since the funeral."
"Richie t-too?"
