She was just expecting a normal summer with her friends .
Little did Caroline know that this summer would be different. This summer, they would face a horror that none of them could have imagined. As the Losers delved deeper into the darkness, they...
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The sun was high in the sky, casting warm rays over Derry's baseball field.
The heat of the summer day was palpable, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered to watch the local kids play ball. Caroline Oaks stood on the sidelines, her eyes glued to the field.
Her twin brother, Finney, was the star pitcher, and his skill on the field had made him one of the most popular kids in town. Because of his popularity, Caroline also enjoyed a certain level of protection and status at school. No one dared to pick on her, knowing that Finney always had her back.
Caroline, with her brown hair slightly flowing and her blue eyes sparkling with excitement, wore a blue t-shirt and some shorts. Paired with her yellow and blue bandana and a grey jacket .
She was ready to cheer her brother on with all her might. She had saved seats for her friends in the front row, right behind the dugout. The field was a lively scene, with families and friends scattered across the bleachers, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn filling the air.
"Go Finney!" Caroline shouted, her voice full of pride. "Yes, Finney!"
Finney's team was in the lead, thanks to his incredible pitching. Caroline glanced at the empty seats she had saved, wondering where her friends were.
She felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness; despite her popularity, she cherished her long-time friendship with the Losers Club more than anything.
Just then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see Bill, Richie, Eddie and Stanley grinning at her.
"H-hey, Caroline," Bill said, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Hey, guys!" Caroline exclaimed. "I saved these seats for you."
The group slid into the seats, causing a few people around them to murmur in surprise.
It was well known that Caroline was popular, and seeing her hang out with the Losers Club always caused a few raised eyebrows.
But Caroline didn't care. She had been friends with them since they could walk, and nothing would change that.
"Thanks, Cara," Eddie said, settling into his seat. "Perfect view of the game."
"Yeah," Stanley added, adjusting his glasses. "Finney's really killing it out there."
"Of course he is," Richie said with a grin. "He's got to impress the girls, after all."
Caroline laughed. "I think he's more interested in winning the game than impressing anyone."
The boys gave her a look in sync " okay maybe he's impressing Donna ?" She shrugged as she said pointing at the black haired girl two rows front of her
The game continued, and the Losers cheered loudly for Finney's team.
Caroline glanced at Bill, noticing the way he seemed a bit distant.
She knew he was still mourning his younger brother, Georgie, who had disappeared back in October , it was currently June and still no Georgie . How ? they were still in the bottom of that , apparently it had something to do with the sewers
She decided to invite Bill over to her house later. Finney was close with Bill, and she thought it might help take his mind off Georgie.
"Hey, Bill," Caroline said, leaning closer to him. "Do you want to come over after the game? Finney and I would love to hang out "
Bill gave her a grateful smile. "Th-thanks, Caroline. I'd like th-that."
Just then, Richie, piped up. " so Billy boy and Cara Caroline are gonna make out after the game, huh?"
Caroline turned and punched Richie lightly in the ribs. "Shut the fuck up Richie ! Go Continue daydreaming and fantasizing about girls who don't know you exist, Richie."
Richie grinned, not missing a beat. "I fantasize about you, and you know I exist."
Eddie rolled his eyes. "Oh my gosh you're not even funny Richie, just leave her alone."
Everyone laughed, the tension easing as the game drew to a close.
Finney's team won, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Caroline felt a surge of pride as she watched her brother celebrate with his teammates.
After the game, Caroline, Bill, and the rest of the Losers walked over to congratulate Finney. He was beaming, his face flushed with victory.
"You were amazing, Finney!" Caroline said, giving him a hug.
"Thanks, Liney," Finney replied ruffling his sisters hair "Hey, Bill, are you coming over later?"
"Y-yeah," Bill said with a nod. "If it's okay with you."
"Of course it is," Finney said, clapping Bill on the back. "You're always welcome."
As the rest of the Losers said their goodbyes and headed home, Caroline and Bill made their way to the Oaks' house with Finney. The bike ride was filled with light conversation and laughter, the kind that came effortlessly among friends who had known each other forever.
Back at the Oaks' house, the three of them settled in the living room, sipping on lemonade and enjoying the cool breeze from the open windows.
Caroline watched Bill as he talked with Finney, the two of them sharing a moment of genuine camaraderie. She was glad Bill had come over; he seemed more relaxed, his usual tension easing away.
"So, Bill," Caroline said, leaning back in her chair. "Any plans for the rest of the summer?"
Bill shrugged. "N-not really. J-just trying to keep b-busy."
"Yeah," Finney added. "We've got a lot of fun stuff planned. You should join us whenever you can."
Bill smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Th-thanks, guys. It m-means a lot."
Richie's voice echoed in Caroline's mind, reminding her of his earlier joke. She couldn't help but think about Bill in a different light. There was something about him that made her heart flutter, but she pushed those thoughts aside. For now, she was just happy to be with her friends.
