One week later
I put on my overalls, rolling them up about an inch above my ankle. I also put on a white T shirt. I considered putting on Richie's shirt, but shook off the thought, I just put on a flannel instead, without buttoning it up.
I slipped on my white canvas shoes, similar to Betty's. I tied my hair into a messy bun and headed downstairs.
"Honey! Do you want breakfast?" Mom asked as I passed through the foyer by the kitchen.
"No thanks, mom. I need to go do something." I kissed her cheek, walking to the front door. "Bye mom love you!"
I hopped on my bike, riding down what I thought was the right alley-way. I turned the familiar corner, jumping off and heading up the stairs.
"Bill said it should be this door..." I mumbled to myself, knocking on the door. It opened to reveal Beverly, in a thigh length dress that buttoned up the front. I had a similar one.
"H-hey! Beverly! I just- wanted t-to say I'm so-sorry. About, last week. I a-assumed things and- Well, I never really assumed or b-believed them I just didn't want to let Bill get hurt. My point is- I'm sorry."
"It's okay!" She smiled. "I understand. He's the only guy I've ever kissed- in-in the school play! The-"
"Third grade. I-I know. I also wanted to say thanks for coming and saving me, even though I treated you like garbage." I fiddled with my thumbs. "And siding with me and Bill when no one else did."
"Anytime! But- I have to go right now. See you later?"
"See you later." I smiled. We waved as she shut the door, and I went back down the stairs. That felt like a huge waist lifted off my chest.
I peeked through the glass of the arcade. No sign of Richie.... I wasn't exactly avoiding him, I was just afraid he would lash out or hurt me again if he saw me. Even him ignoring me hurt like a bitch.
"Forget it..." I said to myself. I turned around, forgetting about trying to go in the arcade on this day. I rammed into a wall. Person.
"You okay?" The guy asked as I rubbed my head.
"Y-Yeah, Sorry." I chuckled. I opened my eyes to see it was stan. He had a grip on my arms as instinct so I didn't fall over.
"S-Sorry." I said again. I brushed his hands off my arms, both of us stood there awkwardly.
"Good seeing you again!" He nervously smiled.
"Yeah, s-same."
"You were looking for Richie, weren't you?" He cocked an eyebrow at me.
"N-no. I was actually c-checking to make sure he w-wasn't here. Not exactly a-avoiding him, but still." I looked around cautiously.
"Oh okay. Wanna walk with me?" He pointed towards the sidewalk.
"S-Sure." I smiled. We started walking.
"So, I have my whole bar-mitzvah coming up soon. Are you gonna come?"
"For you? Wouldn't miss it for the world!" I nudged his side with me elbow. As we crossed the cross-walk, a car came rushing around the corner. He forced an arm around my waist, leaping for the sidewalk. I landed on my back as he landed on top, using his arms to prop himself up above me.
I stuck my arm up high, flipping off the car that was zooming down the road. To my surprise, it wasn't Huggins car.
Stan moved to my side and stood up, holding his hand out to me. I took his hand, and he pulled me up to my feet. "Thanks." I said, dusting myself off.
"Anytime. So." He said as we continued walking. "You gonna do anything soon?"
"I was actually think-thinking about cutting my hair. Kind of tired of having to tie it up all the time! Plus it's summer and long hair is just going to frustrate me. I wanted to ask a c-couple people to see what they would think. I haven't even asked Bill y-yet."
"Well, I think you would look beautiful with whatever haircut." He tucked his hands into his pockets.
"T-thanks." We watched as cars passed the sidewalk. "You know, I kinda wish the losers would get back together. E-e-Even if it was just the original five of us. I miss our days at th-the q-quarry." I said. He nodded is response. "You know what? S-Screw it! I'm getting my-my hair cut and you're coming with!" I smiled.
I grabbed his wrist, dragging him down the path. We weren't that far from the barber shop. "H-hi! I would like to get a haircut."
