We'll Always Be Losers, No Matter What (IT Rewrite)

Ben Sees The Headless Kid/Assaulted By Bowers & Saved By The Losers (FT Bev)

Ben Hanscom spent another afternoon at the library, poring over the musty pages of old books, determined to unravel the mysterious blueprints of the town's sewers. His fascination with the intricate underground tunnels and passages drove him to immerse himself in the study, determined to unlock their enigmatic secrets. “Ben Hanscom, it’s about time that you’ve rested from the books and try to, at least, have a bit of jolly fun outside,” said the librarian, with a tone that sounded like she was annoyed that Ben wasn’t having fun. As Ben sat, he couldn't stop staring at the postcard displaying the heartfelt poem he had written. Ignoring the librarian's instructions, he mulled over every word, trying to discern whether it captured the perfect sentiment for the girl who had captured his heart. ‘It’s fine, just write her name and address and you’ll feel better,’ whispered Ben. Ben carefully took note of his own advice and meticulously wrote down Beverly's name and address on it, making sure not to include his own name to keep the postcard anonymous. He then carefully folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket. After that, he resumed highlighting his notes and making observations on the intricate sewer blueprints laid out in front of him. As he pored over the intricate blueprints of Derry's landmarks, including the town's lighthouse and Jewish church, Ben's attention was drawn to the section detailing the sewers. However, he discovered that half of the blueprints were missing, and the corresponding page had been torn out. Determined to learn more about the sewers, Ben started to examine the remaining blueprints when he noticed a piece of paper falling out of the book. Curious, he picked it up and unfolded it, revealing hastily scribbled Kindergarten-like writing that read "Look up, Haystack." Puzzled, Ben glanced upwards and was startled to see a red balloon with the words "C'mon Benny" scrawled on it. Ben was captivated by the soft, gentle glow of the balloon, which seemed to beckon him towards the basement of the library. Lost in the enchanting allure of the light, he followed it without realizing where it was leading him. Suddenly snapping out of his trance, Ben found himself alone in the basement, the balloon nowhere to be seen. As he looked around, he noticed a half-ripped page of blueprints for the sewers, with circles drawn around the Neibolt House and written sloppily on it was “SET ME FREE”. Stunned, Ben picked up the page, only to drop it in shock moments later. As he turned to leave, the door slammed shut, trapping him inside. Frantically pleading to be let out, Ben was startled as a filthy, scar-covered child who looked just like him opened the door. “You’ll float too!” screamed the child.Ben hurriedly slammed the heavy wooden door behind him, the sound echoing through the dimly lit basement. Panicked, he raced through the twisting corridors, desperately searching for an emergency exit or any way out. As he reached a dead end, his heart raced in his chest, and he was suddenly frozen in terror when he came face to face with a clown. Its grimacing face twisted into a menacing smile as it cackled, "SET ME FREE, HAYSTACK!" Ben stumbled backward and fell to the ground, his mind reeling with fear. He scrambled to his feet and sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him, but in his panic, he collided with the figure of the Librarian, bringing them both crashing to the ground. “Benjamin Hanscom, what’s going on?” demanded The Librarian. Ben was about to tell her that there was something before turning around and seeing nothing, running out of the basement and grabbing his stuff, running out of the library, but accidentally ran into Henry Bowers and The Bowers Gang.  “Well, look who we have here,” said Henry, with a sneer. “Isn’t this the kid who refused to let you copy his test?” asked Victor Criss. “You’re right! It is the same kid!” exclaimed Belch Huggins. “Why don’t we teach this son of bitch what happens when you don’t do as you say?...” hissed Henry. 

The Losers Club (even though not really a club because they only have five members) arrived at the kissing bridge and took a short cut to the Barrens before Richie held them up. “What is it, Rich?” snapped Will. “You guys go ahead, I just want some time alone,” Richie mused, distracted by looking at the kissing bridge. “If you say so, Trashmouth,” shrugged Stanley. Bill and the rest of the group descended into the Barrens, their laughter and shouts filling the air as they bantered and joked about the incident at Stanley's ceremony. Meanwhile, Richie glanced back at them, his face wearing a melancholic expression. ‘It was my chance, but, oh well, screw me,’ thought Richie. As Richie caught up with the rest of the group, he eagerly took out his pocket knife and began to carefully carve his initials, "R + E", into the wooden bridge. Despite struggling a bit due to his lack of experience, he poured all his energy into the task, determined to create a lasting symbol for his secret love for Eddie.