A New Chapter

Chapter 22

Holy Shit thankyou so much for 1k reads! I was not expecting that lol, i am glad that those of you who are reading this series are enjoying it. Your messages and comments mean a lot :) Hope you are all keeping safe during this difficult time x Also, as a side note: There may be mentions of self-harm (the rubber band technique which is mentioned within this chapter - please don't be offended or annoyed, i went through issues like this in highschool and my school therapist (idk what you call them) recommended this technique to me and it only made things worse - it is only my opinion so please don't think i am not recommending it for others as it does work for other people. I still suffer with bad anxiety and panic attacks (self harm) ).

Previously-

"I know mummy." Eddie uttered, his heart pounding as he heard the front door knocking. It was the moment he was dreading again, Saturday was the only thing that would get him through this session.

Chapter 22-

Eddie's session went surprisingly quick, the boy soon explained how his 'long walks' help his mind set and how he is thinking differently about the girls at his school. Mrs.K beamed the whole way through the session explaining to the doctor how much her son has changed, even if he did break a few rules he is thinking differently and appears less 'ill'.

"I am very glad to hear this Eddie, i suggest more long walks by yourself then if this genuinely helps you. I also suggest you try the rubber band technique and half the cold baths you take." Doctor Mc'Call replied, whilst taking notes.

"Rubber band technique?" Eddie uttered, his nerves peaked.

"You simply keep a rubber band wrapped around your wrist and flick it when you think sick thoughts, the quick pain will make you think differently." The Doctor smiled, now standing. "Here, i have a couple. Well that was a good session i will see you the same time next week?"

"Yes, thankyou again Doctor." Mrs.K smiled, leading him towards the front door and saying her goodbyes. When he left the two ate together and Eddie got ready for bed, the rest of the week went by tediously for the whole of the losers group as they awaited the weekend.

"Fucking finally." Richie sighed, as he met Bev outside her house Saturday morning. "Geez you know its just us lot you don't need to doll up honey."

"Shutup Richie i want to look nice for Ben's birthday." Bev groaned, hauling her backpack on her back and pushing past Richie. "I see you've dressed for the occasion."

"What can i say Bev, nothing says lets party like a Queen t-shirt and denim trousers." Richie laughed, following Bev as the two headed for Mikes house. "You know we'll be late now right."

"Fashionably late asshole." Bev spat back, applying bright red lipstick on her lips making Richie laugh. "Did you bring the vodka?"

"First thing i pick up darling." Richie scoffed, reaching out and showing the girl the bottle. "I also snuck in a couple of dad's beers too."

"Nice, i got some jeager." Bev smiled. "It's going to be a fun night."

"Sure is, i hope we get Stan and Eddie drunk." Richie chuckled, just the thought of those two being drunk brought a smile on his face.

"Speaking of Eddie.." Bev uttered, her tone changing rather seriously.

"Yeah."

"Well, i shouldn't be telling you this because he will kill me but he spoke to me the other night at your's. " Bev spoke, her eyes meeting Richie's whose were now filled with concern. "Don't panic it was nothing bad. He just said that he's worried about you, he say's he wishes you would open up to him more. He hates showing it but he really does like you Rich."

"I know that little shit." Richie laughed.

"So, you going to open up to him more?"

"I guess, i just hate doing it." Richie sighed.

"I know but you tell me stuff, i can always be there when you want to talk to him if you want?"

"Thanks Bev but i think it's best if i do it alone. But, don't worry Bev my love i'll still tell you all my issues."

"I am truly honoured." Bev laughed as the two carried on walking towards Mike's house.

-Some time later-

The rest of the losers were already at Mike's by the time Richie and Bev arrived, much to Bev's dismay as Richie began moaning to the group about how long she had taken to get ready. The only member who was still to turn up was Ben, they had told him to come later so everything would be ready for him.

"The place looks great Mike!" Bev smiled, walking into the barn which was covered in fairy lights and banners. There were blankets spread on the floor and a table with a spread of food on it. "Me and Richie brought the alcohol, i'll pop it on the table."

"You guys are not convincing me to drink." Stan sighed, his arms folded.

"C...come on it will b...be fun." Bill smiled, the others were shocked that he was up to drink. "W..what?"

"Yes Big Bill!" Richie laughed. "Come on Stan the man it will be fun!"

"P...please." Bill uttered, looking back at Stan smiling slightly.

"Fine!" Stan gave in. "But i am not getting drunk."

"Okay okay." Richie beamed, now turning to face Eddie who had been silent this whole time. "And what beverage will you be having tonight?"

"Honestly any." Eddie sighed, it was only at this moment Richie noticed how tired the boy looked, like all of his energy had been drained from him. "Can i have one now?"

"Really?" Everyone responded, turning to face Eddie in shock.

"What it's a party right?" Eddie rolled his eyes, reaching for the vodka and coke.

"Wait Ed's let me do it, don't want you making it too strong." Richie smiled, walking towards the boy in the corner of the barn. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just a long week is all. I just want to have a good night." Eddie smiled, leaning his head onto Richie's arm as he began pouring the drinks.

"You can talk to me Ed's." Richie uttered, handing the boy the drink and now sipping his own.

"I know, so can you." Eddie smiled, downing his first drink whilst the others stared at him. "Richie did you even put any fucking vodka in that?"

"Yeah Ed's geez calm down." Richie chuckled. "You need to take these things slow."

"I thought you wanted to have a good night." Eddie sighed, reaching for the vodka and now pouring his own stronger drink.

"Fine but if you embarrass yourself i am never letting it go." Richie laughed, now making the rest of the losers a drink as they waited for Ben. Not long after they finished their drink he arrived, a smile plastered across his face and his eyes filling with tears.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!" The group cheered, running to him for a group hug.

"Thankyou so much guys." Ben beamed.

"Lets get this fucking party started." Richie shouted as the others cheered along.