we're not kids anymore | bill denbrough {book two}

XIV.

Beverly ran over to me, hugging me first. "Please keep in touch." She said, pulling me close.

"Of course" I said. "Us redheads have to stick together, right?"

Beverly smiled, remembering when we told each that when we were kids. "Always" she whispered.

Next, was Ben. "Take care of her, Benji." I said, knowing that the two love birds were leaving together.

"I will" Ben said. "We'll come see you in a show sometime."

"I would love that! I beamed. "While you're in town, maybe you can help design and build a new apartment building for me where annoying and obnoxious neighbors aren't allowed."

Ben let out a kind hearted laugh. "I can try."

I glanced over at Richie, who had already told everyone else bye and was awkwardly standing there waiting to hug me.

"Don't get yourself if too much trouble." I said as I pulled him into a tight hug.

"I'll try my best, mom" He said, making me laugh lightly. "Call me whenever you need a friend to talk to."

Richie forced a smile "Okay"

"Also, let me know if you need some material to steal for one of your gigs. I'm kind of hilarious" I said playfully elbowing Richie while he laughed.

"Don't her too big of a head there, Hollywood" he laughed.

I gave Richie one more hug and then Mike pulled me into one of his massive hugs. "Take care of yourself, Kate"

"You too, Mike" I said, then we released from the hug. "Go see the world.

"I might just do that" he smiled.

Lastly, I hugged Bill. The hug lasted for only a moment. A part of me didn't want to let go but, I knew I had to. After the hug, Bill and I stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do next.

Bill cleared his throat before speaking up. "So, I guess I'll see you around." He placed his hand hand on the handle of the door, leading outside.

I nodded and I said. "See ya" watching him walk out the door. A memory flooded back to my memory.

The last day of school in 1989. I had just helped the losers get rid of Bowers, who was being a pest, as always.

"Shut up Richie" Bill said because he had said something to hurt my feelings. Then, he turned sweetly back to me. "I-I'll see you later"

I nodded as I said "See ya" and watched them ride away on their bikes.

"See ya?" I questioned myself. "Why do I always have to sound so stupid?"

"See ya?" Richie repeated, snapping back into present time. "That was seriously the best you could do?"

"What?" I asked. I always did manage to say the most idiotic things to Bill when I didn't know how to express what I felt.

"I mean, it's obvious that he loves you, Kate" Ben said.

I blinked rapidly "Loves me?"

The four of them all stood there nodding, looking at me as if I was the dumbest person in the world.

"Any person with a pair of eyes could see that you two were meant to be together since kindergarten." Richie stated. "How can two attractive people be so oblivious?"

Did Richie just complement me? Never mind that part, could Bill actually like me?

No, that's not possible. I told myself. Don't try and get your hopes up.