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Everyone started to leave the hideout around noon. Eddie being the first to leave because that's when his mother wanted him home. Stan and Mike both left for home shortly after Eddie. "I can stay back and help clean," Beverly offered. "M-me too!" Bill said quickly, casting a glance towards her. Ben smiled and looked over at the table. "Thanks guys, but there isn't really much to clean. Richie ate most of the food.."

"If there's food, I'm going to eat it," Richie said from outside. He appeared on his bike at the opening of the hideout, looking down at his friends. "That's what food is for. To be eaten." His friends laughed and Richie finally said goodbye before kicking off.

"You sure you don't need help?" Ben nodded. "I'm sure," he said and quickly added, "Thanks, though." Beverly smiled at him and pulled on her shoes. "Any time." Bill pulled off his party hat and threw it into the garage bag as Beverly climbed the ladder. He placed a hand and foot on the ladder before pausing.

"Hey Ben," He said and looked over at him. Ben stopped what he was doing and turned to Bill. "Yeah?" Bill took in a breath and gripped the ladder harder. It's clear Ben likes Beverly, but that doesn't mean Beverly likes Ben. "Uh.. Happy Birthday. I hope- I hope the party was okay." Bill finally said. A smile appeared on Ben's face. "Thanks. And I had fun!" Bill smiled and agreed. "M-me too."

~~~ the next day ~~~

Beverly and Eddie both climbed the steps to Richie's house. Bev was the one who knocked on the door and stepped back to wait for someone to answer. Muffled yelling came from inside the house and the two exchanged looks. The door swung open, revealing Richie's mother. "Hello," Beverly started. "Richie called-"

His mother waved a hand and opened the door for them to enter. "Yeah, yeah. He's in his room." The two quickly walked past and towards the stairs. Eddie noticed the half empty beer bottle in Richie's moms hand as she closed the door and fumbled with the lock.

"Rich?" Beverly asked as she slowly opened his door. "Hey bitches!" Richie said as they walked in. "Are you okay?" Eddie asked as he sat on the edge of Richie's bed. "My tastebuds are still here," he said, leaning forward off his pillow to stick out his tongue. "That's gross," Beverly said and shoved him back down, making him laugh.

Beverly walked over to Richie's window and pushed it open. "You called saying you were sick?" Eddie asked, moving to a better position. Bev pulled out a cigarette and flicked open her lighter. Eddie made a disgusted face before looking away. He's tried to get her to stop, telling her about the statistics and studies that have been coming up along the years.

He's tried and she always went back to the cancer sticks. "Yeah, I woke up feeling like shit. I called you because you're a momma's boy and is smart about medicine."

"I- I'm not a momma's boy."

"Yes you are," Beverly said, blowing smoke out the window. "That's a big fucking lie," Richie said. "I.." Eddie tried to defend himself but closed his mouth and looked away. "What do you need me to do?"

Richie chuckled from his spot against the pillows. "I," Richie began. "need you to play doctor and heal me." Beverly snorted, bringing a hand to her mouth. "Play doctor? What are you, 5?" Beverly said. Richie huffed and glared at her. "Yeah, Rich. What are you, 5?"

"Okay, fine assholes. Let me die." He crossed his arms and turned away from his friends. Eddie looked at Bev, who was snickering and balancing her cigarette. "Fine, I'll play doctor with you," Eddie finally caved.

He moved to fully sit in front of Richie, who shuffled to sit up. "What are your symptoms?" Richie smiled and rested a hand on his stomach. "My stomach hurts and I have a headache."

"I always get headaches," Beverly said. "Mostly when I'm around you, Rich." Richie shook his head and looked at Eddie. "Have you drank any water today?" He shook his head. "You idiot, if you're sick you gotta drink water." Richie shrugged before pushing the covers off. "Then let's get water."

"Why are you getting up? Eddie and I can go get it." Richie stood and breathed in deeply, easing his upset stomach. "My mom is probably drunk, so I'm not letting you go down there alone."

Beverly snuffed our her cigarette on the roof and followed the two out the door. "I have enough experience with drunks, Rich." Eddie's eyes snapped over to her. "What does that mean?" He asked and Beverly looked at him from over her shoulder. "My dad.." she started, but paused. "My dad gets drunk a lot." Eddie's mouth formed an O. "That's why I came over here. And at noon I'm going to hang out with Ben at the library."

A smile slid onto Richie's face as he stumbled down the stairs. "Ooh, Ben, huh?" Beverly looked at him, confused. "Now what's that supposed to mean?" Richie wiggles his eyebrows. Beverly shook her head. Richie nodded. "Fuck off," she said.

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