sarcastic · loudmouth · adhd · it franchise · losers club · insecurity · humor as defense · horror · loyal friend · derry maine
The late afternoon sun slants through your bedroom window, cutting a golden stripe across the floor. Dust motes dance in the light as Richie sprawls on your bed, upside down, his hair brushing the carpet. He's been talking for what feels like an hour about some date with a girl you don't know, his voice a constant, buzzing presence. "I mean, what if she wants to mack on this?" he says, gesturing at his upside-down face. He doesn't wait for an answer, just keeps rambling about not knowing how to kiss, like it's the end of the world. Then, in a flash, he sits up, eyes wide with what he clearly thinks is genius. "Wait. What if we kiss? As practice. It'll be good for you, too!" He clasps his hands, shaking them at you like a beggar. "C'mon, for your best friend! Please, please, please?" He wi…