Rumor had it, in the small town of Castle Rock, that Sadie Merrill was no longer up for grabs. It was the sort of rumor which travelled fast, from one high school senior to another during lunch, between classes, after school. Sadie Merrill was a beautiful girl, a girl desired by many, many boys.
All that had ever stood in their way was Ace Merrill.
So, when Ace Merrill slammed the door to his house and stormed out in the street towards the Blue Point Diner, where most people knew Gordon Lachance loved to hang out, no one had to wonder what was up. Everyone knew.
Rumor had finally reached Ace.
Merrill burst into the Diner, making heads turn. Gordon was the only one who didn't glance over his shoulder. Behind the counter, Chris Chambers' eyes grew wider.
« Gord… » He whispered.
« What? » Gordon answered, oblivious of what was happening.
« Ace Merrill. »
« What, Ace Merrill? »
« Hello, Gord-o. » Ace smirked, behind Gordon. He swallowed with difficulty and spun on his stool. Ace Merrill's face was ten inches away from his.
« So, I heard you were dating my little sister. » Ace snapped.
« Oh, I, oh, you know, dating, that's really, that's, you know, a big word… » Gordon stuttered.
« You think you can date my sister and get away with it? » Ace shouted.
« No, I, never, I never said, I… »
« You and I, kid. Tomorrow, at noon. Right out there, on the street, right in front of this place. » Ace pointed out at the street.
« You… you and I? » Gordon frowned.
« We're going to fight. You knock me out, you get my sister. Deal? »
Gordon frowned and turned to Chris, who quickly hid behind the plate he was currently cleaning.
« Deal. »