A/N: Hi guys! I have been trying to work on my other story, You'll Find Better Things, but this idea just would not leave me alone. All major players featured along with some OCs. Please let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoy! Warnings: violence, sexual themes, and strong language throughout the whole story.
"One more block!"
"Yes, Gordie, one more block," Chris chuckled, "It's really not that far of a walk, man."
Gordie groaned loudly. "Tell that to my legs, Chambers."
Chris glanced down at Gordie's limbs. "You do have chicken legs, maybe that's why you're so tired."
"Eat chicken shit."
"Just waiting for you to take a shit, then."
"Hardy-har-har."
The two best friends were taking the walk from Gordie's house down Main Street to Main Grocer's, one of the larger convenience stores in Castle Rock. Their friend Wendy Arnold followed right behind them, giggling at their banter.
The store was now in sight. Gordie began to walk in exaggerated slow motion, reaching his arms out far in front of him, his face contorted as if every step was painful.
"AL—MOST—THERE!"
Chris rolled his eyes, but a smile was on his face. "Jesus Lachance, who knew you could be such a drama queen?"
"Yeah Gordie, Chris is right," Wendy joined in, "Why are you such a drama queen?"
"I've been known to have a flair for the dramatic every now and then," Gordie replied with a sly grin.
"Hey, without that flair, your stories wouldn't be so great," Chris complimented, "And you probably wouldn't be going to University of Oregon's writing program without it."
The three strolled into Main Grocer's, the bell tinkling as Chris pushed open the door.
"Like you're one to talk!" Gordie exclaimed, "UCLA on scholarship! That shit still leaves me speechless."
"Not an easy feat," Chris said with a smirk.
Wendy turned towards Chris and touched his arm. "We're so proud of you—I'm so proud of you, Chris. You put in so much hard work and look at where you're going!"
Chris smiled down at Wendy. "Thanks, Wends. I couldn't have done it without you guys"—Chris shifted his gaze to Gordie—"Especially you, man. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"Aw shucks, Chris," Gordie said, "Don't make me blush."
While the words may have been funny and flippant, Gordie's tone conveyed warmth and gratitude for his friend. There was an understanding there, a feeling between the two that even Gordie couldn't put into words—at least not yet.
"So, what did you guys want to get again?" Wendy asked, running a hand through her red hair.
"Let's get some hamburger meat, that should be the easiest thing to grill," Chris answered.
"If we do that we should grab some cheese and milk. And definitely some Hershey's bars—I've got a hankering for some s'mores," Gordie chimed in.
Wendy shook her head with a smile. "You and your sweets."
It was true: Gordie had developed an irrationally large sweet tooth over the years.
"Well, I'll go grab the hamburger meat, you guys grab the cheese, milk and chocolate, okay?"
"Sounds good."
"Thanks Wendy," Chris said.
As Wendy headed towards the deli counter, Chris and Gordie began meandering down the last aisle lined with refrigerators.
"To the chocolate!"
"Gordie, we are literally in the dairy aisle, two feet away from the milk. Dairy first, chocolate later."
"Fine," Gordie grumbled in reply.
As Chris opened the refrigerator to grab the milk, they heard the bell tinkle again. In walked three of the most popular girls from school—all from The View, of course. Betty Hanson and Karen Kramer were both pretty girls who did well in the college courses, and Karen was even head cheerleader. But Donna Thorne was shockingly beautiful: with her high cheekbones and wide blue eyes, she almost looked like a brunette Ann-Margret. She was the kind of girl who turned heads and dropped jaws. In addition to being a cheerleader, she was also exceedingly smart. Of course, none of the girls had ever really given Gordie and Chris the time of day.
Gordie watched them as they strutted in the boys' direction and came to a stop in front of them.
"Excuse me," Betty said impatiently, "We need to get to the yogurt."
"On the other side of you," Karen scoffed.
Gordie rolled his eyes. "Oh, sorry."
Gordie took a step to the side so the girls could pass through. Chris closed the fridge door shut, milk in hand, and turned to face them.
Donna flashed him a dazzling smile, her wide blue eyes sparkling. "Hi, Chris."
Chris dropped the gallon of milk. The thick white liquid exploded out of the jug and onto the floor. Betty and Karen yelped in surprise and disgust, but Donna just laughed. It wasn't a cruel laugh at his expense—it was genuine.
"Clean up on aisle 5!" she exclaimed jovially, and then added, "Is this even aisle 5? I've just always wanted to say that."
Chris continued to gape at her. "No, it's aisle 13."
Donna shrugged with a grin. "Oh well. It was fun while it lasted."
Betty and Karen threw both of the guys dirty looks as they stepped over the puddle of milk and stomped off down the aisle. Donna followed them, but she then looked over her shoulder and smiled at Chris and Gordie.
"Bye, Chris. And remember—don't cry over spilled milk."
Chris just stared after her, dumbfounded, as she walked away. They both watched Donna greet Wendy as they passed each other in the aisle.
"Holy crap," Gordie breathed in amazement, "Holy shit-fucking crap. Did Donna Thorne just come onto you?"
Wendy approached them. "Donna Thorne just came onto who?"
Chris smiled dazedly, as if he were in a daydream. "Whoa. Donna Thorne…"
"Girl's a thorn in our sides, really," Wendy muttered under her breath.
Gordie shook one of Chris's shoulders, attempting to snap him out of it.
"Alright Romeo, now it's time to find my greatest love," Gordie proclaimed, "Her name is Hershey."
Chris shook his head. "What are we going to do with you, Lachance? Okay, okay, let's go."
The three made their way to the chips and sweets aisle. Gordie practically jumped for joy at the sight of all the candy bars. He immediately grabbed 5 Hershey's bars and then reached for another chocolate bar with silver and blue packaging, showing it to Chris.
"My other true love...sweet Baby Ruth."
"Baby Ruth is a piece of shit in a wrapper."
Gordie gave a mock gasp as he turned back towards the candy. "How dare you besmirch the name of my beloved!"
"Sorry man, but the truth can hurt," Chris pointed out with an amused smile.
"You know, some may call her a 'but-her-face,' but I call her a Butterfinger!" Gordie declared, turning around with a Butterfinger in his hand.
Chris laughed. "Okay Lachance, how long can you keep this bit up?"
"Her love sends me to Mars"—he held up a Mars bar—"Her love fills me with Almond Joy!" Gordie ranted, displaying an Almond Joy.
Wendy thrusted a Heath bar in Gordie's face. "What about this?"
Gordie stared at the chocolate bar for a few moments and then sighed. "Damnit Wendy, you got me. I admit defeat."
"You fought valiantly, young Gordie," Wendy commended, "Honestly, very impressive."
Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the air.
"Goddamnit Vern! You and your fucking Twinkies!"
All three of them turned and looked down the aisle to see Teddy Duchamp and Vern Tessio surrounded by Twinkies and cigarette packs on the floor.
"It was an accident!" Vern said adamantly, "I didn't mean to!"
Teddy started picking up the cigarette packs and stuffing them into Vern's pants. "Keep your fucking voice down, ya nimrod!"
Chris started walking towards them, Gordie and Wendy following suit. "Hey guys. Everything okay over here?"
"Oh hey Chris! Yeah everything's fine—it's all swell—great—hunky dory!" Vern answered nervously.
Chris eyed the remaining cigarette packs on the floor. "How'd you guys get so many? Old man Crowder always sets a limit on how many you can buy at one time."
"We might've taken some from behind the counter when he went into the back," Teddy whispered gleefully, "He ain't gonna miss 'em."
No one else saw it, but Gordie caught Chris wincing. Chris greatly valued what was right and what was wrong—and stealing was a sensitive subject.
"That's not right, man. You should go bring them back and only take what you bought," Chris declared.
"What's it to you, Chambers?" Teddy snapped, "You're not my mother."
Wendy stepped forward. "Chris is right, you guys should just put that stuff back."
Teddy flashed Wendy a smirk. "Wacky Wendy! How's it going?"
"Don't call her that!" Chris and Gordie exclaimed in unison.
Wendy looked down at the floor. "Wacky Wendy" had been a cruel nickname several kids came up with in junior high when she showed up to school with dental headgear on, a thick strap wrapped around her entire head and metal sticking out of her mouth. She had already been considered a geekier girl before this. Now, her smile was near perfect, and she had been able to start making friends in high school, Gordie and Chris among them.
Teddy stared at Wendy for a few moments before looking back at Chris and Gordie. "Fine, ya wet ends. But we're taking the smokes."
"And the twinkies," Vern added, "Don't forget about them."
"Yeah, yeah, the damn twinkies too. C'mon, Verno. See you guys around."
Gordie stared after Teddy and Vern as they scooped up the remaining twinkies and scurried towards the door. Despite the town being so small, it sometimes felt like Teddy and Vern lived in another world. Gordie would see them pass by in the halls, but at most, they would nod at him or raise a hand in acknowledgement. It was odd how time could change so much.
"Gordo? You okay, man?"
Gordie met Chris's eyes. "Yeah."
They didn't say anything else—they didn't have to. But he did then notice Wendy, who looked dejected.
"Wendy, I'm sorry he called you that," Gordie apologized.
Chris immediately put an arm around her. "Don't listen to Teddy, he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time."
Wendy had tears swimming in her eyes, but she gave them both a small smile. "Sorry you guys, I don't mean to be upset about it."
"People say hurtful shit—but that doesn't mean it's true," Chris said sincerely, turning her to face him, "Wendy, you're wonderful. Don't let it get to you."
Gordie shook his head with a smile. Chris had a knack for saying exactly what someone needed to hear. Wendy smiled at Chris, and Gordie couldn't help but notice the sparkle in her eye—the kind that didn't come from tears.
"Thanks Chris, I can always count on you—" Wendy glanced over her shoulder at Gordie, "—And you too, of course."
"Don't mention it," Gordie said, "C'mon, I'm getting hungry."
As they strolled towards the counter, Gordie wondered why old man Crowder didn't chase after Teddy and Vern for stealing the cigarettes and Twinkies. Crowder was known to be harsh on those who stole. Once the checkout counter came into full view, however, it was obvious why he didn't go after them.
Ace Merrill and Eyeball Chambers stood at the counter. Their postures were as menacing as ever; Eyeball had his hands on the counter, leaning over it and into Mr. Crowder's face. Ace, on the other hand, stood about 5 feet behind Eyeball. Though Ace wasn't looking in his direction, Gordie could almost feel how cold Ace's eyes were, and he felt a chill go through him. They were in mid conversation with Mr. Crowder, and Chris held out a hand to prevent Wendy from walking forward. From the looks of it, this was not something they wanted to get in the middle of.
"—you owe us the fucking dough, Crowder. You better cough it up," Eyeball demanded in a low, indignant whisper, "This is the third time in a row!"
Mr. Crowder looked furious, as if steam were about to blow out of his ears. "You boys shafted me on it! There's no way in hell you're getting all the money."
"C'mon, you crockpot. I know you have enough, this is the most popular grocery in this damn town!"
"Like I said," Mr. Crowder snapped, drawing himself up, "I'm not paying two no-good, low life hoodlums who cheat me! That's the work of cheapskates and cowards!"
There was silence. Eyeball looked back at Ace, who gestured with his head for him to retreat. Eyeball stepped back from the counter, and Ace cooly stepped forward. Ace's stare was so intense that Mr. Crowder swayed uncomfortably in place. It was as if he was hypnotized by the glare from the head Cobra.
"A coward? Is that what you think I am?" Ace questioned.
His voice was eerily soft. It sent shivers down Gordie's spine.
"Well, that's what it sure seems like," Mr. Crowder responded, somewhat hesitantly, "You let a Chambers speak for ya, you must be scared to face me alone."
"I don't think you wanna test that theory, old man."
Mr. Crowder faltered but quickly recovered. "I'm not afraid of you, Merrill."
Ace gave him the ghost of a smile. "You damn well should be."
Crowder's jaw tightened, and Gordie noticed the color in his face starting to fade. "I'll…I'll get it to you later."
Ace's smirk only grew wider and more sinister. "'Later' isn't very respectful of my time, Crowder…so don't be surprised if 'later' comes knockin' sooner than ya think. Eyeball, let's go."
Eyeball sneered at Crowder as he followed Ace towards the exit. The bell tinkled as they strode out the grocery, and Crowder noticeably let out a huge sigh.
"Think it's safe for us to check out now?" Gordie asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Chris answered.
The three went up to the counter and peered at Crowder, who was looking down at his feet.
"Excuse me, Mr. Crowder? We'd like to check out now, please."
The old man jerked his head up. His beady eyes took in Chris, and his face immediately contorted into fury.
"Get the hell outta my shop, boy!"
"Why are you asking him to leave?" Gordie questioned, his voice rising in anger, "He didn't do anything wrong."
Crowder kept his eyes focused on Chris. "I've got the right to refuse service to whoever I want! And I don't wanna serve no Chambers! So like I said, leave now!"
Chris stared back at Crowder. "It's okay, Gordie. I'll just go."
"He has every right to buy food here just like everyone else!" Wendy exclaimed, "He'd have to walk another mile to the next grocery!"
It happened quickly. Crowder reached behind himself and whipped out a pistol, pointing it at Chris. The three of them jumped backwards.
"Get the fuck out now Chambers, before I call the police!" Crowder yelled.
"I'm leaving now," Chris replied in a slow, calm voice, backing away towards the door.
"Wendy, go with Chris," Gordie told her, "I'll pay for the food."
Wendy nodded, and still visibly shaken, she followed Chris outside. Gordie could hear the tinkle of the bell signaling their exit as he pulled out his money.
"You'd do good to stop bummin' around with a Chambers, kid," Crowder said gruffly as he put the food into a bag, "He'll rub off on ya."
"Good. I'll be a better man if he does."
Crowder looked repulsed as he stretched out the bag. Gordie snatched it from him and shot him a look of loathing before heading out the door. As he exited the grocery, he saw Wendy with a hand on Chris's shoulder. Chris caught Gordie's eye and walked up to him.
"Well, that was exciting," Chris remarked with a grin, "I'll add it to the long list of times I've been threatened with a deadly weapon."
Gordie gave him a knowing look.
"I don't understand how people still treat you like this, man. Even after the news came out about UCLA…"
Chris sighed and slung an arm around Gordie's shoulder.
"Some things never change, Gordo. He probably just got mad seeing me after having to deal with Eyeball. But I'm getting the fuck out of here, and that's all that matters now. C'mon, let's get moving on those burgers, I'm starving."
"Guys, wait!"
Chris and Gordie turned towards Wendy, who was standing a few feet away.
"Sorry Wendy!" Chris apologized, "Gordie and I are off to have a guys' night. You don't mind, do ya?"
Wendy smiled. "Of course not! There's some talk at guys' night that I definitely don't want to be a part of."
"Ain't that the truth," Gordie agreed, "We'll see ya soon, Wends."
Wendy waved goodbye as Gordie and Chris made their way to Gordie's house.
"She is totally into you, by the way."
Chris raised his eyebrows at Gordie. "Who? Donna Thorne, ya think?"
"No, not Donna Thorne, you depraved animal. Well, I mean yeah, maybe her too…" Gordie considered, "She was seriously flirting with you back there. But no, I meant Wendy."
"Wendy?" Chris asked incredulously, "What, no, c'mon Lachance. Wendy is our friend, she'd never like me."
Gordie gave Chris a withering look. "UCLA might want to rescind their acceptance, because if you believe that, you only have half a brain."
Chris shoved him good-naturedly. "Well thank God I have you around to make me look smarter."
Gordie stirred in his sleeping bag and squinched his eyes tightly. A light was shining from the outside of the tent that certainly hadn't been there before.
The two friends had made a tent after eating their burgers and s'mores, as was their tradition once they had gotten older (and admittedly, Gordie's parents didn't take too kindly to Chris being in their home). Per usual, Gordie's mind had been whizzing and whirring until his body forced him to sleep. Meanwhile, Chris would always fall into a deep slumber a minute or two after his head hit the pillow.
But as Gordie turned over, he noticed that Chris wasn't sleeping. In fact, Chris was missing from his sleeping bag. The light grew brighter as it came closer to the tent.
"Hello?" Gordie called out, confused, "Chris?"
A shadowy figure zipped the tent open and then shut again.
"Hey man, sorry. Had to take a piss."
Gordie gave a sleepy grunt in acknowledgement and closed his eyes.
The clouds blocked out the sun as the boys sauntered down Main Street. The walk was nowhere near as tiring this time, but the overcast weather made an already dull Castle Rock duller to Gordie. And he had to imagine it made a dark and gloomy Castle Rock all the darker and gloomier for Chris.
Gordie looked over at him, noticing the furrow in his friend's brow.
"'California Dreamin',' am I right?"
Chris shot Gordie a wide grin. "No kiddin'. Is it graduation yet?"
"According to my calculations, we have 30 days left," Gordie answered, "And…we have school tomorrow."
"'Monday, Monday,'" Chris crooned.
"You're tellin' me. The Mamas and the Papas are 2-0."
"3-0," Chris corrected, "Michelle Phillips is a babe."
Gordie nodded fervently. "No doubt. She's on a whole other level. You'll probably find loads of broads like her out in LA."
"Yeah…" Chris trailed off, "Maybe so…"
"All the Castle Rock girls are gonna be wishing they gave you the time of day, if they aren't already," Gordie encouraged, "You should bring an LA chick to our 5 year reunion. Shit, bring one for me too."
Chris laughed. "C'mon Gordo, chicks dig writers…don't they?"
Gordie exaggerated a sigh. "Unfortunately my friend, I have seen evidence to the contrary."
Chris slung his arm around Gordie's shoulder.
"A lot can change when you go somewhere new, Gordie. Even your luck with women."
Gordie was about to give Chris a swift elbow to the ribs when he caught police lights flashing out of the corner of his eye. He peered down the street and noticed the lights, and a crowd of people, about two blocks away.
"Something's going down."
"Looks like it's at Main Grocer's," Chris replied, "Let's go check it out."
The two jogged down to the group of people gathered around outside Main Grocer's, and Gordie immediately noticed the yellow tape blocking off the building. He started pushing through the crowd to get to the front, Chris on his heels. Save for a few police cars and an ambulance, nothing really seemed out of the ordinary—not until he heard people gasp. He whipped his head to the front of the grocery where he saw men in uniform pushing a body, completely wrapped in blood-stained sheets, on a stretcher.
"Jesus," he breathed.
It had only been 6 years since he had seen a dead body, but the sight still made him feel cold inside. He heard Chris draw breath right behind him and knew that he felt the same way.
Gordie looked to his left and saw Tom McAffee standing a few feet away, his eyes wide in horror. He was a standard, run of the mill small town guy, but he had been nice enough to both Gordie and Chris throughout their time together at Castle Rock High. Gordie grabbed Chris by the arm and yanked him towards Tom, who didn't seem to notice their presence once they appeared by his side. Gordie gave him a small thump on the arm to get his attention.
"Oh, hey Gordie, Chris," Tom greeted.
He attempted to sound nonchalant, but Gordie could hear the slight tremble in his voice.
"Tom, hey," Gordie responded, "Do you know what happened?"
Tom faced him, his face pale.
"Old man Crowder…he's been murdered."