AN: Thanks to everyone who reviewed. It's always nice to know that you guys are enjoying the story. I hope you like this chapter too
As the sky began to change colors outside and the sun began to sink behind the horizon, the boys finally tired of their pool game. Sadie was slumped over in the booth, not quite asleep, but not awake either. She wished that they had gone fishing so she could have gone home. She just wanted Billy to take her home so she could relax. Maybe she'd even play a game of rummy with Vern-o. She hadn't hung out with him too much lately, and he was growing up fast.
Billy approached the booth "Sadie. Get up. We're leavin'."
Sadie had no objections. She stood up and walked over to Richie. "I'm going home, Richie." He gave her a quick squeeze and turned back to his friends. Sadie started to leave and then went back to her boyfriend. "Richie?" He turned around to face her. "What are we doing tomorrow?" He looked at her for a moment and then said "It's summer. Every day we have an adventure."
Sadie turned away and followed her brother out the door and onto the street. She didn't know how today possibly could have qualified as an adventure, but she supposed it didn't really matter all that much anyway.
As she and Billy walked in the door, Sadie was overwhelmed with fatigue. Her face felt sticky from the sweat of the hot summer day that was now coming to an end. She wanted to take a cool shower. As she began to climb the steps to do just that, her brother grabbed her by the arm and whispered in her ear, "We're having a party tomorrow night. You can come, but if you get into any trouble you're on your own. And don't tell anyone." He let her go again and walked away before she had even given him an answer.
When she woke up the next morning, Billy was gone. She tried to find Vern to see if he wanted to play cards, but he wasn't home either. She didn't know what to do with the day. She decided to just leave and start walking. Castle Rock was small, and sooner or later she would come upon someone she knew.
As the summer heat began to take its toll on her, she began to wish that her family had a home phone. Maybe one day. It didn't take long before she saw a familiar figure. When she realized who it was she wished she had stayed home. Richie's father was stumbling down the sidewalk towards her and opened his arms when he recognized her.
"Sadie! My favorite girl! What do you say to helping out a tired old man?"
Helping out Mr. Chambers what the absolute last thing Sadie wanted to do on this warm summer day. His false charm did not fool her. She knew that he was a violent drunk and the bruises that showed up on Richie made her absolutely furious. They also scared her. She would not let her husband, regardless of who he was, beat her children like that.
As she was about to open her mouth and give Mr. Chambers an answer, a car full of Cobras pulled up the curb. Richie leaned out the window and smiled at his girl. "Get in, babe. I told you we'd have an adventure. My word is my bond. It's gonna be the thrill of your life."