innocent || Reddie (complete)

fragile

Eddie

Taking care of my cast became a daily routine once again. I wake up, replace the bandage, put the metal bars back on, and then grab my crutches.

To get downstairs I walked one step at a time, quite slowly too.

Richie would be in my kitchen each morning. My mom was usually asleep so he made my breakfast and lunch.

Richie: How are you spaghetti head?

Eddie: same as usual I guess

He ruffled my morning hair and gave me a bowl of cereal. Once I was done he grabbed my bag and we walked to school.

It was the weekend after the game so everyone was still pumped about the win. I walked through the halls and people would say they were sorry about my leg, or congratulate me on the win.

But deep down, I knew that it was my last game. My leg still hurt and doctors said that it would heal slow, and maybe not even completely. Maybe it's not a complete loss since we won nationals, but I wish I could still play.

Richie: Relax okay? I'll get you from your class for lunch

Eddie: Okay, see you then

He kissed my cheek and I walked into art class with Bill. We sat at our usual table

Bill: how a-are you feeling?

Eddie: Fine. Why do people keep asking? I'm not some fragile little kid...

I crossed my arms and looked down at the floor.

Bill: s-sorry I was just
ch-checking on y-you

Eddie: I'm fine Bill. I can handle myself

I began drawing and he sighed before working on his own sketch.

Class ended and the teacher let me leave earlier so I wouldn't have to walk through all the kids. Everyone watched me as I left, like they all pity me just because I broke my leg...

It was frustrating.

*

Lunch came and Richie met me at my class like promised. Stan was right beside him, taking my crutches so that Richie could give me a piggy back ride to the cafeteria.

Richie: climb aboard sweetheart

I climbed on his back and he carefully lifted my right leg up so that it wouldn't hit anything. We walked through the halls and people stared at me as we walked. Some even whispering behind their hands and others laughed.

Eddie: put me down

Richie: what?

Eddie: put me down Richie

Richie: But you can't walk!

Eddie: I said put me down! I can walk by my fucking self!

Richie: Sorry Ed's, I can't let you

We were now stopped in the middle of the hall as everyone stared

Eddie: I didn't ask you to carry me!

Richie: I'm just trying to help

Eddie: by treating me like I'm some fragile little kid?! Like I'm so fucked up I can't even walk on my own?!

Richie: no, I just want you to get better!

Eddie: I know that I won't be able to play anymore! I know! I don't need your pity. And I don't need everyone else staring at me like something's wrong with me!!