float | it

Chapter 17
"Crush"

"Alright Dad. I love you."
I put down the phone.
It had only been a month and so much had changed.

My Mom re contacted my Dad, and I lived with him for a month.
Which didn't end well, because after a month apparently his new wife was so outraged he had a wife that she forced me to move back home.

Apparently the killings had died down, so Mom agreed and got me out of that toxic environment.

I'm a burden. A case of hurt for all those who dare to get to know me.

I shook my head. I was currently in my old room.

I had just gotten home, and had to wait till tomorrow till I could surprise my friends.

No, we hadn't left on the best terms, but everything will be fine... right?

I took a deep breath and looked at my clothes I had laid out on my bed frame.

It was 9:00, but I was still tired.

I closed my eyes and fell back.

I have to see him again.

I will see him again.

Richie.

I smiled at myself and began to fall asleep.

____

"HOLY SHIT"

I looked at the bloody arm in front of me.

The Barrens.

I looked around and saw a body protruding from the sewer drain. Next to it we're thick black glasses.

My heart stopped as I pulled it out and over.

Richie.

His face was white and cold, his eyes staring at nothing.

I began to scream, but nothing came out.

I felt it move.

The corpse was moving.

It's face still dead, but animated.

"Come on Sarah! Don't be such a Debbie Downer. Come float with us!"

It wasn't Richie's voice.

It was....

It.

I dropped its head and heard it thunk onto the hard cement.

I almost felt bad, but kept telling myself it wasn't the real Richie.

"What-what did you do to Richie?"

"Oh, this?"
It moved its body to show a hole where his arm should be.

I gasped and began to walk backwards.

It cackled evilly.

I began to run backwards, but felt something grab my hand.

I turned to see the clown, it's face full of hunger and teeth.

I closed my eyes and screamed.

______
"Sarah....."

"Sarah..."
"SARAH!!"

I jumped upwards. My mom had her hands on my shoulders.

"What?!"
"You were sobbing in your sleep. It's time for school."

I got up and rubbed my head confusedly.

I didn't remember having any dreams.

I threw on my clothes and brushed my teeth and hair.
I looked approvingly in the mirror.

Frantically, I jumped onto my bike and began to ride down the street. Just like the first day.

I brushed back my hair and parked my bike.

My heart was in my throat. Man, I couldn't wait to see their faces when they see me again.

I got to my class just before the bell rung.

The only time I could see them all at the same time was at Lunch.

I caught a quick glimpse of Richie coming down the hall from the classroom door. He had a note in his hand and a bracelet in the other.

I could kind of see a heart on it.

Did he know I was back?

I shrugged and began to attempt to focus.

Richie walked down the hall as the teacher closed the door and welcomed me back oat the classroom.

I thanked her awkwardly and began to scribble in my notebook.

After a boring 3 classes, it was finally lunch.

I grinned  and sprinted down the hall.

I got in line and could see them all collecting at their normal table, except there was an extra chair.

Do they know?

I shrugged once again and grabbed my lunch.

My heart thumped  faster as I looked at my feet and walked closer.

"Hey gu-"

My heart stopped.

Richie was holding a girls hand, and she was wearing the bracelet.

I heard an echo of "SARAH!"

As I dropped my tray onto the floor. My green beans rolled by my feet as Richie noticed me and his jaw dropped.

"SARAH! Yo-"

I gasped and turned around, running out of the school.

"Holy shit."