Do Not Fucking Touch Me // Reddie

Forty Nine

(Eddie's POV)
I looked at my calendar and crossed off another day with a sigh. April was gone and now it was May. I still hadn't heard from Richie. I was beginning to accept the fact that I no longer am in a relationship. It broke my heart, but I promised him I would be strong and not harm myself.

"Eddie?" my uncle called from the other room. 

I set my permanent marker down and walked glumly towards the sound of his voice. He was standing in the kitchen by the phone. Funny, I hadn't heard it ring. 

"You have a phone call," he said, and held out the phone for me to grab. I wondered who it could be. 

I took ahold of it and held it up to my ear. "Hello?" I spoke into it.

"Eddie!" Richie's voice sang in my ears like a beautiful melody.

"Richie?" I asked, just to confirm my mind wasn't playing tricks on me. 

"It's me, baby!" I sighed in relief. I really was coming to think he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. I figured it might be part of his recovery, cutting off ties with me. 

My uncle made his way to the couch and started to watch some show, so I was left alone on the phone with Richie. I sat on the countertop and twirled the cord around my finger.

"Where have you been? I've been worried," I came out and said right away. I needed answers, so I didn't feel so used. He couldn't just waltz in and out of my life whenever he wanted.

"The treatment is getting intense. They won't let me write letters anymore, as a punishment. I'm doing fine, health-wise, but you know me, I can be a bit of a troublemaker. I cussed out Charles in the middle of the night and next thing you know, all contact with the outside world, cut off!"

I sighed. It did explain it, but I was still a little distraught. How could they do that to him? What kind of rehabilitation center believes in punishment anyway?

"Wait, how are you calling me then?" I asked. It didn't add up with his story. 

He giggled. "Stole it from a nurse."

"Richie! You can't just do that!" I scolded him. It was nice to hear that he still kept his playful persona, though.

"Fuck. I gotta go," he suddenly said.

"Wait! No! Don't leave so soon," I begged.

"I love you, Eddie. I'll be there soon. Don't give up on me, yet."

I felt tears grow in my eyes. I didn't want it to end, I wanted to hear his voice on loop for hours. I missed him so much. 

"I love you more, Richie." 

"Impossible. Bye baby."

"Goodbye."

And that was it.