The Aftermath (Reddie)

14

Richie's POV

I went home. I never had skipped school before, but there was no way I could face anyone from school.

Me and Beverly had already smoked through fifth period and the closet was getting a bit hazy so I decided to go home.

That is after Beverly handed the rest of her pack to me, not that there were many cigarettes left, but I was still grateful. She hardly ever shared, especially with me.

"Take care kid," she said and skipped off to class.

I just nodded then ducked my head down to avoid literally everyone.

Then I was safe, lying in bed and staring at the ceiling. I kept drifting in and out of consciousness.

And then I woke up from one of my short lived dreams to the phone ringing.

Who the hell would be calling me? All of my friends were in class, not that they would call me. They were probably all disgusted by me.

I looked down at me watch, "fuck," I muttered.

It was five o'clock.

The phone was still ringing so I ran downstairs to pick it up off of the wall.

"Hello?" My voice was scratchy.

"Richie! Thank go you're okay, I thought you died after lunch-"

Oh fuck, it was Eddie.

I slammed the phone back into its holder.

I was not going to deal with him right now.

The phone rang again.

I rolled my eyes and picked it up again.

"Hello?"

"Rich," a different voice, Stan's.

My palms were sweating excessively.

"Bill is wondering if you're still gonna hang at the clubhouse tonight."

I gulped, remembering the look on Stan's face after Laura screeched my fucking business to the world.

"Hey," he said after I didn't answer, "it's totally fine if you wanna stay home, we all understand man."

Tears were forming in my eyes again, "Who um," I drew in a shaky breath, "who all knows?"

I could hear Stan's sigh through the phone.

"Eddie doesn't know."

I felt some relief, "but everyone else?" I asked.

"Mike doesn't know since he's homeschooled and I don't know if Ben knows yet or not," he continued.

I was silent for a little bit, Stan let me take the silence.

"Do you guys...do you guys hate me?" I was scared, beyond scared: terrified.

I was already a loser but at least I had had friends. I didn't want to be a lonely loser.

"Richie," Stan sounded disappointed, "I can't speak for Bill, but It's been pretty clear your feelings for Eddie."

"Huh," I let out a slight sad chuckle, "That's what Beverly said too."

"Bill's just shocked," he continued, "but obviously he doesn't hate you if he is wondering if you're coming to hang."

I sighed. I almost felt relief from this shitty day. I felt like it would be nice to hang out with my friends, but then I remembered Eddie's chaotic and concerned voice on the phone.

He wanted answers from me.

I didn't want to lie to him, but I couldn't tell him the truth.

"So," Stan broke me out of my thoughts, "are you coming or not?"

"Tell Bill I'm sorry," I said, "I just need to stay home right now."

"We all understand," Stan assured, "we'll miss your stupid jokes though."

I actually laughed, "like hell you will."

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Richie is a soft boy

Idk why but I'm making myself sad writing these touching scenes and they aren't even that good.