problematic ➳ reddie

17

December ❀ age 7    

"You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town" the children's, in somewhat creepy, voice echoed through the gym hall. 

Sonia Kaspbrak smiled widely as she watched her son, standing in the front row, blush glowing on his cheeks. 

Maggie and Wenworth Tozier were smirking at Richie, who was standing in the left upper corner, eyes searching for Eddie. 

"What is that kid doing?" Went whispered to his wife. 

"Looking for Eddie" Maggie replied. 

"Why?" 

Maggie turned her head to Went and gave him a confused look. "Why not?" 

"he's way too obsessed with eddie" Riley groaned, sliding down on her chair. 

"Riley, sit up straight" Maggie nudged her daughter's shoulder. 

"Well sorry that this show is so boring that I almost fall asleep" 

"shh" maggie hushed Riley and turned back to the show, seeing that they were already ending it. 

  "He's making a list
He's checking it twice;
He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming
Santa Claus is coming
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
yeah
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town"  

The first grader teacher finished the song with a high note on the piano, which caused the parents and everyone else in the hall, clap their hands and even cheer. 

Eddie sighed in relief, feeling small in front of the audience. He looked behind him, looking towards Richie, who was behind Bill and whispering into his ear, making Bill giggle. 

Eddie frowned and looked down, curtsied a little, before following the other kids out of the stage. The half of the kids went to the other side of the stage, including Richie and Bill. 

"Hey" a female voice said behind him. Eddie turned around, looking up into deep, blue eyes. 

"h-hey..." eddie said carefully, feeling extremely vulnerable, especially since Richie wasn't there to protect him. 

The girl had bright red hair, auburn, freckles kissing her cheeks, her button nose, a highlight dot on top of it, her red lips, which were chapped a bit. 

"I'm Beverly" the girl said. "I've seen you with Richie. You're eddie, right?" 

Eddie nodded. "How do you know Richie?" 

"We're on the same class...we partner up sometimes when that other boy isn't at school...which is almost never" 

"oh..." Eddie said awkwardly...twisting the tip of his shoe against the floor. "Did you uhm...have something to...say?" 

Bev shook her head. "Not really. Just wanted to introduce myself. You seemed upset" 

Eddie smirked a little. "It's just that Richie is on the other side of the stage"