The boy with pink hair

Chapter 2 - (part 1)

Trigger warning: Mentions of self harm 

"Are you fucking kidding me? You guy's are seriously gonna jump?" all four boys were poised at the top of the cliff, looking down at the crystal waters bellow. "You know that if you jump wrong you could break every bone in your body. Hitting water from high enough is just like hitting concrete." 

"C'mon Eddie spaghetti, it's not that high. We've done it a million times." Richie still had his hand gripped tightly in Eddie's small fist. "You heard it here first folks, we've got a gang of fearless daredevils ready to jump from the highest point in Derry, gather 'round and watch as their organs explode from their body from the force of the water! Oh what a sight! Looks like these boys won't be getting back up from this." 

"What the hell was that? And my name's Eddie, not 'Eddie spaghetti'. Is he always this annoying?" The smaller boy looked away to hide the red creeping onto his cheeks. 

"Th-th-that's just R-rr-r-Richie for you." Bill laughed before beginning to strip down. "It's g-g-gonna be f-ff-f-fine. We d-do-oo-o this a-all the time." 

"Hurry up guy's it's getting late and if I don't get home my dad's gonna freak out. We have mass in the morning." Stan was impatient, as always. "If Eddie doesn't wanna jump don't make him, but don't force me to wait around while you guy's make up your mind." With that the green haired kid was flying off the cliff. Bill laughed and threw himself down after his crush. 

"Are those two ever gonna kiss?" Eddie looked up at Richie, who was already staring at the boy. "They've been flirting the whole walk here. They are soulmates right?" 

"You catch on fast. Wonder if you'd be able to find my soulmate too." Richie let go of Eddie's hand and began to strip down to his underwear. 

"I.. uh..." Eddie's eyes traveled up and down the tall boy's frame. He was impossibly skinny, he swore he could count every rib. The next place his eyes traveled were his legs. He noted a couple cigarette burns on his thighs, along with some long silver cuts that appeared to have already healed. Richie noticed Eddie's intrusive stare and quickly turned so his legs were out of sight. 

"Checking me out Eds?" he laughed nervously. 

"Um..." Eddie quickly looked away and began to strip down as well. "Can you... can you jump with me? I've never done this before." 

"No broblemo Edward Spaghedward, I shall accompany you on this glorious adventure. We shall accomplish the impossible together. Take my hand good sir, let us jump into the unknown." He bowed dramatically and extended his hand. 

"It's Eddie." The boy huffed, but still reached out. 

Both of them slowly made their way to the edge of the cliff. The closer they got the harder Eddie squeezed. He was visibly shaking, but he tried to put on a brave face. Richie was staring intently at his feet, subconsciously turning away from Eddie. 

"Ready Eddie?" 

"As ready as I'll ever be." 

And they jumped.

There's something beautiful about a freefall. It can simultaneously be the most terrifying, and most freeing experience. To Eddie it felt more impactful. This wasn't just a leap into the water, but a leap into the unknown. He had only had one friend his entire life and his mum didn't know. This was a huge leap for him. Taking this risk was way out of his character but for some reason he didn't care. He wanted to take it. Something about this group of boys just drew him in. Especially the one freefalling beside him. He closed his eyes as the water came closer, ready to land in this new life experience. This felt like an initiation and he'd be damned if he didn't pass. He took a deep breath, closed his mouth, and suddenly he was surrounded by cold. 

The water rippled as he made his way to the surface. 

"Hh-h-hey E-e-ee-ddie." Bill paddled over to him, his bright yellow locks plastered to his forehead, "G-g-good job. To-oo-ok R-Richie f-f-f-four hours t-to c-convince him-s-self to j-j-jump the fi-fi-first time." 

"You liar! It took me maybe ten minutes!" He grabbed bill by the shoulders and pushed him under the water. 

Stan paddled up to Eddie, who was watching the chaos. "Your blue is showing." 

Eddie jumped, his hands going to his hair quickly, covering the roots. "I don't know what you're talking about!" 

"I'm not an idiot. I know why you approached us. I'm not gonna tell or anything, don't worry. I just figured I should let you know." The Jewish kid reached up and carefully brushed Eddie's hair over to conceal the little bit of blue showing in the roots. 

"Th... thank you." He turned to watch as Richie and Bill pushed each other around, splashing water all over the place. 

"I get it though. I don't think I'd want my soulmate to find out just yet." Eddie couldn't help but notice the shine in Stan's eyes as he watched the way Bill moved in the water, "I just don't think I'd be ready for those emotions just yet." 

They both stayed where they were, treading water peacefully next to the tidal wave that was Richie and Bill. 

... 

"You sure you don't wanna come over? Bill's mum makes a mean meatloaf." All four kids were walking side by side down the empty road, their hair drying in the sun. 

"No I really should be getting home." 

"Aww you're no fun!" 

"Sh-sh-shut the f-ff-fuck u-up R-rrr-Richie." Bill elbowed him in the side, "We'll se-ee y-you t-t-tomorrow rrr-right?" 

"Sure, does ten work for you guys? I might bring a friend along too if that's alright." 

"I dunno, whad'ya say Billy boy?" Richie threw his arm around his friend. 

"T-ten works." Bill smiled, his entire face seeming to light up with that smile. All three boys couldn't help but stare at how lovely he was. 

"Alright, see you guys at ten tomorrow." Eddie turned down another street and began to walk home before turning back around for a second, "Thank you for letting me hang out!" He shouted before bolting towards home. 

... 

Sorry if this update is a bit short, online school is a bitch and I'm really doing my best. Hope you guys enjoyed it!