stand by me

chapter twenty-four

^^^listen to the song while you read^^^

We were walking down the tracks right about now and eating our breakfast. Some blueberries. "Geez Gordie! Why couldn't you have gotten some breakfast stuff like Twinkies and Root Beer?" Vern complained. "Sorry Vern, I guess a more experienced shopper could have gotten more for your seven cents!" Gordie shot back sarcastically.
With our stomachs rumbling, we pressed on toward the Royal River. The reality of Ray Brower kept us moving, despite the heat. For me, the idea of seeing that dead kids body was becoming an obsession. It gave me a weird feeling. I couldn't wait to see it, but it also made me scared.
My mind trekked on to the next thing. I couldn't stop thinking about last night. It felt like nothing happened. It didn't change me and Chris's friendship, actually, I don't know what we are. I know we definitely have a stronger bond now. Something told me Gordie knew. I had a sense that he did. Of course I wasn't going to ask, in case he didn't, but I think he did.
In about 10 minutes, we reached the Royal River. "Gentlemen, The Royal!" Chris said. "God, the tracks go way outta the way," Teddy pointed to the long track. "If we cut across this field right here, we'll be there in an hour," Chris said.
It was beautiful. Everything was green and alive. I said last night I wanted to live somewhere beautiful. Well, I guess I'm ok here for now.
"I think we should stick to the tracks," Vern suggested. "I say we go across the field!" Teddy always said the exact opposite of Vern, just to get on his nerves. "Gordie?" Chris asked. "Yeah," Gordie said. "Y/N?" He asked me. "Sorry Vern!" I said as I started walking down the field. "Let's go!" Chris said.
"Take no prisoners!!" Teddy said, making a shooting noise with his sleeping bag. We were already far down the field and Vern was still on the tracks. "Hey you guys! I think it's a lot safer if we- You don't know what's in those woods!" We were already to far ahead. "Ugh! Wait up for me!" He yelled and fell along the way.