Everything I ever knew about Chris Chambers

Chapter 5

Gordie

Gordie couldn't help but agree when Teddy had asked him if he wanted to get back together as a group that saturday. Even though he wasn't particularly a fan of Teddy or Vern at that point, it sounded like a decent time. They still had enough in common and even if they weren't friends they still could be friend-ly. It would help him too.

Mr Daugherty had assigned a different project. That Friday when everyone had turned in their personal narratives he told them what they'd really be working on, something they had a month to accomplish. That Gordie needed to write about someone he loved. Someone important to him. Gordie immediately knew who he was going to write about. Chris, he thought, there was no doubt about it. Chris was the best choice. At first he considered writing about Denny but the memories hurt too much and he couldn't interview a dead man. Besides, Mr Daugherty already wanted him to write about that. Gordie didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

Gordie rapped his knuckles on the trap door of the treehouse, overwhelmed with nostalgia. It still smelled the same. Like cider, cigarettes, and bubblegum. When the door opened he was met with Chris. He grinned, reaching a hand out for Gordie to use for stability. Even though he didn't need it he grabbed Chris's hand anyway as he hauled himself up into the treehouse. Teddy sat there giggling himself, and Vern had yet to arrive.

"What?" Gordie said to Teddy, who seemed to be cracking himself up.

Chris glared at him, and Teddy composed himself, "Nothing."

Gordie shrugged, "Okay."

"Did you see Vern?" Chris asked, changing the subject.

"No, why?"

"He said he was getting snacks or something." Teddy said, "Probably ate them all."

Gordie gaped at him, "That's mean, Teddy."

"Sorry," He said, "I didn't think it would sound mean."

"You're right. You don't think at all." Chris said coldly. Gordie looked at him, inspecting his face as if that would give him the reason why Chris was suddenly so cold to Teddy. Has something happened?

Gordie figured it wouldn't hurt to ask so he said, "What is it with you two?"

"Well-" Teddy started.

"Shut up, Teddy." Chris warned.

"Chris is-"

"SHUT UP TEDDY GOD DAMN IT." Chris yelled at him.

Teddy swallowed hard and nibbled on his thumb-nail.

There was a knock at the door, Vern. Gordie was glad to see him because if he had to sit in between Chris and Teddy for any longer he figured he'd rather be hit by a train.

"That's not the secret knock." Chris cooed.

"Oh come on you guys didn't even tell me this time!" Vern whined, "Do you want food or not?"

Eventually Chris let him in, and he set two plastic bags on top of the makeshift table. The treehouse felt a lot smaller than it used to be. They'd all grown significantly since then so it made sense.

Teddy inspected the bag's contents, "Woah, sweet."

"You're welcome," Vern said, leaning against the wall. He was clearly proud of himself. Which amused Gordie more than it should.

"You guys wanna play something?" Vern asked, "Like truth or dare?"

"We're not twelve year old girls." Teddy groaned.