Look What I Found!

Ch. 33

In his room, Mike leaned against the headboard, fixating on the object resting on his bed. The paternity test lay in its untouched box, staring back at him. It had arrived almost a week ago, during Richie's absence. Mike had decided to keep the test hidden from Richie, taking it upon himself.

Bill had been eagerly awaiting updates since he ordered the test for Richie. News of the test had spread throughout the Losers' Club, and Richie found himself fielding questions from all of them. Fortunately, the others refrained from asking Mike about the test or discussing his feelings about it, which was a relief to him.

He was still grappling with the decision of whether or not to uncover the truth. Could it really be true? Fifteen years ago, his mother seemed utterly dedicated to his father, Ted Wheeler. She idolized him, didn't she? These thoughts swirled around in his mind as he suddenly realized. She didn't. That's why they had decided to have another child, hoping to mend their fractured relationship as it continued to disintegrate as he grew older. He was planned, so there was no way he could be a bastard son. His parents planned him to fix things, but it didn't work.

It just wasn't possible for Karen to leave Hawkins, Indiana, the town where she was born and raised. Even 15 years ago, Richie was a big success, venturing into bustling cities, enjoying the nightlife, and making a name for himself. In contrast, Karen had never set foot outside of her hometown. She cherished Hawkins and had no desire to leave because that was where she was known and recognized. The Wheeler family was the epitome of perfection, envied by everyone for their flawless life. Just as much admiration was reserved for the Harrington family, as both families seemed to embody an ideal that others could only dream of.

His mind was swirling with doubts as he mused over the situation. It was not unusual to come across individuals resembling celebrities, and there were instances where celebrities bore striking resemblances to others in the spotlight. Perhaps he was simply fortunate enough to fall into one of those categories. While he wouldn't have personally selected Richie Tozier as his doppelganger, he supposed beggars couldn't be choosers.

His mind consumed by that single thought, he moved swiftly, snatching the test and practically racing down the stairs. He navigated the hallway with determination, knowing that Richie's office awaited at the end.

As Mike approached the slightly ajar door, he could see Richie sitting at his desk, facing the entrance while engrossed in a video chat with Bill. Despite the open door, Mike resolved to enter and lie to Richie, claiming that the test had finally arrived.

Richie turned the volume down slightly on the speakers as Bill's voice boomed through the room. "You got rid of it, didn't you? I knew you would do this, Rich!" Bill's accusation echoed off the walls, causing Richie to exchange an awkward glance with Mike, who stood in the doorway.

"I didn't." He calmly spoke, looking back toward the screen.

"It's been three weeks. I'll just buy another one and send it to your address. We can go back and forth with this all you'd like."

"Bill, I already told you. It. Hasn't. Arrived. Yet!"

"It doesn't take that long."

Richie's eyes widened in surprise as he placed a hand over his heart, his tone filled with shock and offense. "Excuse me? How would you know how long it takes for a paternity test to arrive, Bill? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Richie!" Bill groaned, and Mike had just walked around the desk, test behind his back, to watch Bill drop his head to his desk with a loud THUNK. Mike chuckled at his overdramatic nature that nearly rivaled Richie's own. Bill quickly looked up, a smile lighting his face that had Mike blushing slightly. "Hey, Mike!"