Identify Normal | Stand By Me

Perfect Nostalgia

It has been far to freaking long. I hope you enjoy :) Sadie's finally made it back to Castle Rock!

Chapter 6

Sadie's POV

The train ride was long and uneasy, and the only company I had was a clean cut doctor who sat across from me with a briefcase sitting on his lap. He had fallen asleep, and was a nice enough fella, but to my chagrin I was still shifting uncomfortably in my seat. The seat was wooden and my ass was sore, but it was well worth it. I was on the train to take me home.

Home.

Shit, I haven't had one of those in years. I waited impatiently for the sun to rise because it could bring me a new beginning. I would be back home with Chris and Richie. I'd have Dennis back. I'd have...John back. 'If they remember this low life...' I thought and groaned. Get your moxy back chickadee; they're gonna notice you actin' all strange if you keep this up. 'If they notice you at all...'

"Shut up, Chambers." I murmured, scolding myself.

A couple hours later the doctor, Austin, woke up and we talked quietly about how he was heading out to Castle Rock to take care of his young nephew. He was a rather timid guy, and I found him to be one tough cookie. He took his profession seriously and even offered a cloth to clean up my arms and face. I happily accepted and soon enough the train would be stopping in Castle Rock.

I quickly jumped from the dinky space and was overwhelmed with thoughts. I had called dad as the train was rolling up earlier, and as surprised as he sounded, he became giddy and told me Richard would gladly pick me up from the train station. The problem was...that I didn't know what Richard looked like nowadays. He's not my kid brother anymore; he's all grown up. A few years back a snubbed a photo from mom's purse that dad sent for my fifteenth birthday, but after all this time anything could've happened.

The only other connection I had to Castle Rock over the years had been the couple of calls Dennis and I would share in the middle of the night. He was always so happy, and even then I haven't heard from him in months. Last time I checked he was becoming quite the daredevil and racing jeeps. Maybe I can tag along sometime...I never heard anything from John after all those years.

Stepping off the train had its advantages, like how I'd be home or that I'd never have to go back to Nevada or to mother dearest again. However, there were also some disadvantages...I was alone in a strange place that I could once call home. I was the outsider, and the passerbys knew it. They didn't know me, nor the fact that this place, Castle Rock, was supposed to be my safe haven.

The scorching sun pounded on my forehead, and I grew wary; Richard was no where in sight, and no one was waiting at the train station in general. It was about nine in the morning, and without waiting for anyone to make an appearance I started my way down Main Street. My little town was frozen in time, and all of the nooks and crannies of the little shops stayed the same. My confidence grew as I strutted down the nostalgic neighborhood, and soon enough I maneuvered my way home. Before thinking too hard on the idea I decided to make a pit stop; in front of me was none other than the home of one Denny Lachance. My stomach twisted and I eagerly bounded up the steps to the front door, knocking with all the energy I could muster up. Then the waiting game began.

And I waited.

And waited.

And waited...

Now call me impatient, but as soon as I span around to leave, I heard footsteps racing down from the stairs inside. Instead of meeting the smile of Dennis, I came face to face with a short, doe eyed boy.

"Yes?" The kid asked.

"Well," I began, "Is this still the Lachance house?"

"Yes." He said again.