"God, will you ever stop smoking?"
"You're very funny, Tozier."
Holly Taylor and Richie Tozier had never associated with one another, it just wasn't normal. But when summer starts, she befriended them in the oddest wa...
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Wednesday, August 9th, 1989
"Stan?"
All heads turned back towards the old door that had just creaked open as soon as Eddie Kaspbrak spoke up. Holly sighed, shifting her bag on her shoulder. Richie shook his head and moved closer to his girlfriend. The boy couldn't wait to leave, he just wanted to get Beverly and get out.
"Stan, we all have to go." said Bill.
Stanley Uris, dressed in a red button-up and jeans, was frozen in the entryway of the house in fear. He started straight ahead as Bill kept talking. "Buh-Beverly was right. If we split up like last time, the clown will kill us one by one."
"But if we sti-stick together, all of us, we'll one." Bill finished. Stan looked like he was about to cry, he could feel the tears seeping from his brown eyes. But he wouldn't cry, no, not in front of Holly. Or any of his friends. "I promise." whispered Bill.
"Stan, c'mon. Don't worry. We all have each others' backs, we'll be fine." said Holly softly, trying to convince her friend to come in. Stanley nodded, stepping into the house. He walked closer to Holly, who gave him a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. He gave her a weak smile.
The group could hear mouse paws on the piano, the notes ringing ever so slightly. Richie pulled Holly closer as Stan ran a hand through his curly brown locks. The house smelled like rancid meat. Cobwebs and dust covered every inch of the house, tickling Eddie's nose. Ben shone his flashlight over the old, crumbling fireplace, which displayed the words. "Good Cheer, Good Friends."
Maybe, many years prior, the house was full of good cheer and good friends. The house could've been filled with many people on certain holidays, a mother taking a roast turkey out of the over as her children, nieces, and nephews watched hungrily around the table. Maybe a girl woke up on the first day of summer break here, jumping into her sister's room with joy on her face. A family might have resided at the house of Neibolt Street, but no one would know for sure.
The group walked down the rickety old steps that descended into the basement, which revealed the old, stone well. Bill Denbrough moved his flashlight around, casting a yellow glow on every inch of the room.
"Hey, Eddie, you got a quarter?" asked Richie Tozier, pushing his glasses up his nose.
"I wouldn't wanna make a wish in the fucking thing." Eddie snorted.
Holly almost laughed, but remembered the circumstances. Her best friend was missing, and under this house. The girl's pale hand flew to the chair around her neck, grasping the rose charm which is what she always did when she was nervous. Richie saw this, grabbing her other hand and giving her a slight smile.
The well was deep, very deep. Even with flashlights the group couldn't see the bottom. Mike leaned over, trying to get a better look but he could see nothing.
