The Aftermath (Reddie)

50

Eddie's POV

I really wanted to be with Richie. Now that I knew I could, that he liked me, that I liked him - I just wanted to be with him every second.

Which sucked because the part of me who wanted that was overpowering the part of me that gets so fucking annoyed by him.

So instead of going home, I went over to Richie's house. My mom was going to have a fit, I planned to call home once I got over to Richie's. She still wouldn't be happy by that, but it was the best I could do.

Seeing Richie was more urgent.

I walked there, not wanting to test my asthma by running.

There was a car in the driveway, but it wasn't Richie's. His parents were home, but he wasn't. Should I turn around?

My feet decided for me and soon I was at the doorstep.

I knocked hesitantly.

Mrs. Tozier opened the door.

"Eddie!" she greeted, "Richie's not here but you can come in and wait for him, I don't think he will be long," she stepped aside and ushered me in.

I didn't say a word, just walked right in.

"You can hang your coat up, just make yourself at home," she assured pointing to the coat rack.

I nodded and shook off my coat and shoes, but stayed just awkwardly standing in the entry.

"Richie didn't mention you coming over..."

I tried to hide the color rising to my cheeks.

"...what brings you here?" She asked.

What was I supposed to tell her. I couldn't find any words.

Mrs. Tozier was staring at me, it felt like she was seeing into my soul.

Then she clicked her tongue, "I think I know what this is about..."

"You do?" I questioned, hoping she didn't.

"Come on, sit," she gestured to an armchair in the living room a few steps away. I obliged and she across from me.

This is what I imagined seeing a therapist was like.

Her legs were even crossed.

"It's your mom, isn't it?" she questioned, her face was sympathetic.

I paled. I mean, I was upset by my mother.

I had planned to talk to Richie about that though.

"I guess," I shrugged simply.

Mrs. Tozier sighed, "you can tell me, sweetie," she assured. I felt like I could actually trust her. Her face looked so understanding.

So I nodded, then drew in a breath, "I'm scared," I said quietly, my voice was shaking, emotions that I had been suppressing were snaking their way through. "I know that....that my mom won't accept this thing that is kind of a big thing in my life."

Mrs. Tozier didn't say anything, so I decided to continue.

"I don't want to hide this thing from her, but I know she would kick me out of the house and I really don't want to be kicked out I mean I need a place to live-" I had gotten to the point of hyperventilation, "-but this thing is big and I want to be happy and I know I won't be if I continue to lie and I just need to talk to Richie and get his advice but I'm scared he's gonna want me to continue to lie and I just want to be with..." I stopped myself before I spilled to much, "I just want to be with my friends and not hide anything from them."

I had looked at the floor the entire time I was ranting and now that I had finished I looked up at Mrs. Tozier.

She still had the same look and held silence for awhile.

Then she finally spoke, "It's okay if you don't tell me whatever that secret is, but you should know, your mother is going to find out. She is the nosiest person in the world, you can't keep any secrets from her,"

I almost laughed at that, my mom was nosy.

"it would best if you just told her, and if you do get kicked out, you can always live here,"

My face lit up. Mrs. Tozier was smiling at me, I realized how amazing she was. How different she was from my own mother.

"Really?" I asked, I couldn't believe she would be that generous.

"Of course, "she beamed, "I mean I know Richie definitely wouldn't mind," she winked.

Wait what.

Did she...did she know.

The smile had dropped on my face from shock and fear.

"Why uh...why would he not mind?" I was scared for her answer.

Her eyebrows furrowed like she was confused as to why I was scared, "you guys are dating are you not?"

I choked on my spit.

"What?" I asked meekly.

Mrs. Tozier paled, "Oh dear...I just thought...I thought you guys were together, I'm so sorry," she was stuttering, "I definitely read that wrong."

I was shocked. How had she read me and Richie so right?

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," she assured, she looked so guilty.

"It-its fine," I shrugged off shakily.

Then Richie came tumbling in.

-----

You guys are so fucking screwed.

I am an evil person just you wait

(Yo I redid this chapter because I wrote it when I was so tired and it did not make any sense. I feel that this is better but if you disagree that's fine. I still have evil things to come but the next chapter will be different than the original too. Sorry pals)