Love at First Dare // Stenbrough

Fifty

"I'll see you guys later." He writes on a note, leaving the house quickly. To his new job.

—

"Bill. Baby, what's wrong? You've been acting weird since last night." She grips Bill's arm as he faces the opposite direction.

"P-Patrick tried to take someone home again." "Shit, do you know who?"

He sighs, not knowing if he should tell her the truth or not.

"No...it was late. I couldn't see their face." He held his stutter back, everyone knows when he lies he stutters the most.

"Well. Hopefully, they're okay." "Hmmm."

He scrolls through social media. Finding a picture Richie took the of the six recently.

Like always there's always an imperfection that the group thinks to be perfect.

Stanley laughs as Mike jabs his fingers into the boy's side. The two are awfully close in most pictures.

Eddie on Richie's back, Beverly in the back paying no attention to what's happening. Also, Ben sitting with her, watching her do her makeup.

The group loves to see pictures like these. Mike would get them printed out, gifting them to the losers.

That reminds Bill.

A picture of him and Stanley in his wallet. Another in a picture frame. In his drawer hidden. Another in his car.

He quickly grabs his wallet looking at the pocket-sized picture.

Stanley's smile perfect. Everything about this picture is perfect.

He is perfect.

—

"Bill? What's wrong? You seem out of it?" Bill sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

"Just thinking." Patty sighs, grabbing his hands.

He flinches the tiniest bit.

"So you're scared of me touching you know?" Her voice harsh, she doesn't intend it to be.

"No Bill...it's okay." Tears sting his eyes. "Billy?" Bill wipes his tears away quickly. Georgie jumping towards him.

A man standing at the door.

Their dad.

One simple wave goodbye and the man leaves.

"Did you have fun?" "Hmhmm. I saw Richie too! We-we were walking down here and and I saw him. He was with Eddie and Ben and Mike and Beverly."

Patty walks away, tending to other things.

"Was Stanley there?" He looks at the younger boy softly.

"No...you still love him? It's okay. I can keep a secret very well. I know he still loves you..."