Chapter Two

Summer, a time of laughter, joy, and carelessness, over the years became one of my biggest foes. Every year, I was presented with the challenge of keeping myself entertained without Greta's loud mouth by my side, while she worked with her dad at his store. Some days I would go visit and help out, but there are only so many times you can work at something before it starts becoming a job. And with jobs came responsibilities, which I absolutely despised.

Usually during my summer days, I would waste my time just roaming around the sewers, the one place I knew like the back of my hand. All the other kids in town knew it was my turf from June to August, so they were always empty when I showed up to hang out. I was no Greta, but still I was feared in my own way.

But this summer I wanted things to be different. No more would I accept this boredom and constant loneliness, for I, Ross, would pull myself out of this bottomless rut. Independence kept my oh-so-fragile pride in tact, however, I couldn't deny the desire for another friend once in a while.

With this goal in mind, I quickly suited up for the first day of summer, aka my first attempt at this challenge. I liked to be a wild card with my fashion, which came through when I paired knee high socks with my bright red crocs, along with some classic barbie sunglasses. Being random often turned heads, and I needed that attention for this operation.

And with that, I set off on my quest, looking for a good candidate to become my second friend ever. As I walked down Derry's main street, my eyes caught sight of a polished, silver bicycle, sparking a great idea in my mind. Immediately, I made a sharp turn onto the street to my left and my feet carried me the rest of the way.

. . .

In front of me stood a house I had never even dreamed I would be ringing the doorbell to. I guess my mind couldn't keep up with the fact that there were other real people, not just victims or pawns, in this town I called home. Man, Greta really has done a number on me.

After the doorbell's three chimes passed, I saw a shift in the curtains that were hung in the window by the door, and a pair of nervous eyes revealed themselves. I heard a quick squeal, the curtains frantically being closed, followed by footsteps walking away from the door. In response, I rolled my eyes and banged on the door a few times, pleading, "C'mon Eddie! I swear, Greta isn't here."

Instead of the short worried boy I was expecting to be on the other side, a woman of solid stature appeared when the door was opened. Eerily, a smile crept onto her face, as she questioned, "And who might you be, missy?"

That smile oddly felt familiar, as I had seen it countless times before. Derry, as I had observed over time, was a town that turned the other way when it came to the kids. They could be in trouble, could be causing trouble, or could be flat out dying, but the adults would still ominously trudge on through their day, as if nothing happened at all. It could be just me though. It's not like I've ever been outside of the town borders.

I gathered my courage and replied, "My name's Ross. I'd like to speak to your grandson." The woman was no older than forty-five, but I wanted to get under her skin, even if it was cheesy.

She, visibly affected by my "brutal" words, sneered, retorting painfully, "Oh? You must've misspoken. Eddie is my son, but you knew that, didn't you?"

Chills ran down my spine, but I pushed on, apologizing, "So sorry about that. It's just the crows feet and frown lines look a little darker than I'd expect in this lighting. You must - "

"That's enough," Eddie's mom interrupted, pushing her thick-lensed glasses as far up her nose they could go. With a glare, she continued, "Eddie has no business with a sewer fungus like you." After saying that, she slammed the door, creating a rush of cool air that blew my sunglasses off of my face. I smirked, finally finding real entertainment on a summer day. Challenge accepted.

Thanks to my wits combined with Greta's fairly evil personality, over the years I acquired many tactics to get rid of people temporarily, mess with people's minds, or even just flat out scare them. Once factoring in annoyance, excitement, and the usual vengeance I had in my heart, I easily devised a plan to give Eddie's mom a day she would not forget.

. . .

I showed up again on the next day, this time with an absolutely devious plan lined up. I walked up to the door and knocked on it a few times, much like the day before. However, I was shocked to see Eddie open the door instead of the woman I had it out for. Taking this into account, I fixed my facial expressions and cleared my mind temporarily, trying to focus on just being genuine.

With a (hopefully) cheery smile, I greeted, "What's up, Eddie!"

Cautiously, Eddie stepped out of the house, shutting the door quietly behind him. Then, he whispered, "Look. I know my mom's a little crazy sometimes, and I'll admit that she does get out of hand. But what am I supposed to do? Let you in, after all these years of you and Greta tormenting everyone at school? You scare me and I want nothing to do with you. Just leave me alone."

Afraid? Afraid of who, me? My heartbeat became rapid and my palms were dampening with perspiration. Afraid? I watched Eddie walk back into his house and close the door, giving one last fearful look at me before he left. Is he afraid of me? Me?

Although I was having what I would call a "minor freakout," I still managed to bang on the door one last time, praying he would open up. Even if I said it was for fun, there was something inside me that made me feel as if I had something to prove, but I just could not put my finger on what it was.

Nevertheless, Eddie opened back up, this time with a slightly annoyed expression. "Why are you still here?"

"Y'know, I've been feeling generous lately. I'm going to become your friend this summer."

"Umm...I think you need to go."

"Admit it. You need someone like me. Who's gonna protect you in this town? Your mom? Your little boyband? I doubt it," I pitched, smirking easily. "Plus, I can personally see to it that Greta leaves you guys alone, especially because we're friends now!" And with that, I grabbed his hand and dragged him off the porch and down the street, running to who knows where.

"Wait, what? I never agreed to this!"

"Can it! Let's go!"