innocent || Reddie (complete)

alone

Richie

I jumped off my window ceil to the soft grass below me. I put out my cigarette and hopped on my bike to ride to Eddies.

When I got there not a single light was on except for one on the second floor. I climbed up the side of the house using a shed to boost me up. I peeked through the window and saw Eddie sitting on his bed. He was wearing black shorts and a pastel blue baggy sweater. He was singing to himself and drawing in a drawing pad. He sounded nice...

I opened the window and he almost jumped out of his skin. I put a finger up to my lips signaling him to stay quiet.

I closed the window behind me

Eddie: What are you doing?!

Richie: I came to say hello

I jumped on his bed

Richie: Hello

Eddie: Hi

I peaked over at his drawing book and he smiled. He held it open and showed it to me

Eddie: It's a sunflower! See?

I chuckled

Richie: Yeah I see it

He put the book down and almost frowned

Eddie: Mother doesn't like when I draw and sing. She says I need to focus on my education

He tucked the book under his pillow and it hurt me to see him sad

I sat up and grabbed his attention

Richie: Hey... if you like art then you shouldn't care what your mom says.

He gave me a half smile and shrugged

Richie: It was a good drawing anyways. Where'd you get the book?

Eddie: My aunt brought it to me. She likes my art too. What do you like?

The way Eddie talked to me made me feel different. He didn't seem afraid of me and didn't even care that he just met me today.

Richie: I like music, I play guitar and sing a bit

Eddie: Really?! Can I hear?

He smiled so big. I'd never had anyone seem so genuinely interested with my passions.

Richie: Not tonight, But I like your singing. It's nice

Eddie: Thank you

We sat in comfortable silence for a while until he spoke up

Eddie: Richie? Why did you come back?

I didn't really know. I liked Eddie, how innocent he was and how happy he seemed when I was around.

Richie: Because I want to be friends

Eddie: With me?

He furrowed his eyebrows as if it was the weirdest thing he'd heard

Richie: Yeah you dummy

I lightly punched his arm and he giggled.

He giggled

He sniffed and crinkled his nose.

Eddie: What's that smell?

Shit I still smell like cigarettes

Richie: oh, it's probably my cigarette

His eyes widened and he leaned back

Eddie: Momma said those things kill people. That it killed dad.

Richie: What happened to your dad?

He softened a bit

Eddie: He died of cancer when I was 3 and that's why I'm stuck in this house.

Richie: Your mom keeps you locked up because she's scared you'll die like your dad?

Eddie: I don't know... but I know what your doing isn't good.

I sighed and rolled my eyes

Richie: Well I'm not good Eddie

Eddie: Yes you are. You just do stupid things.

I was token back by his quick remark.

Richie: I'm not good.

Eddie: I don't care what you are. All I know is I don't want you killing yourself like my dad did.

His eyes filled with tears and I felt a twinge of pain in my chest. I sat frozen not knowing what to do. The tears started rolling off his cheeks, and I still couldn't move.

Richie: Hey, no, don't cry!

But that only made it worse, he rubbed his eyes and looked down.

I panicked and pulled him into my lap to hug him. He leaned his head against my chest and cried

Eddie: I miss my dad... if he didn't die I would be normal... I wouldn't be alone...

I rested my hand on his head and rubbed his back with the other. I don't comfort people. I don't feel bad for people. Why is Eddie any different?

But I didn't let go

Richie: Your not alone Ed's... I have you

He sat up and rubbed the tears from his eyes

Eddie: Are you gonna leave me too?

I don't make promises

Richie: No

•••

<3