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daydreamer999 · 3 months ago

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Eremophobia

Masterlist

"Childhood friends are the stars in the constellations of our lives, even when one burns out, its light still reaches us." -Unknown

Chapter One: School's Out for Summer

It was finally the first week of June in 1989. The day all children (and teachers) have been waiting for. The end of school, and beginning of summer. It was a time for childhood memories to grow, and for a long awaited break from the mind-numbing cycle that was school. Everyone was looking towards to long days in the sun, swimming, ice cream and the Summer Fair in Derry.

Well... most were ready.

Lottie sat hunched over her desk, her mood having been the same since October. Her chest ached whenever she saw her best friend's empty chair that was next to her's, and she didn't have any motivation to make new friends. She mostly hung out with Billy and his friends, but really, it was more that she became Billy's shadow. As she made no ort to talk to any of the members of the Losers Club (as they so generously called themselves). She didn't give much effort in talking in general anymore.

Sure, she still made good grades, and she did all of her work, read every assignment and passed every test, But without Georgie, her days were just simply... Gray.

Lottie only confided in Billy, outside of her parents of course, he was the only one she made an effort in. Because she wasn't the only one who felt Georgie's loss that day. If anything Billy knew more than his own parents did about how she felt, because he felt the same. He felt guilty over what happened that day, blaming himself for not being there for Georgie... When all the blame was on Charlotte. She was the one that really abandoned Georgie that day, Billy was resting because he was sick, and her? She ran away when Georgie needed her most.

She hated the isolation she unwittingly subjected herself too, but she felt it was safer. Especially since more and more kids have gone missing since October. Some of her schoolmates, and some older. Charlotte didn't know what was going on, but she knew that Billy and his friends would be investigating it, and she would help as much as she could.

Her eyes glazed over as she stared at her plucky teacher who was in colorful clothes, "Alright, my lovelies! We have ten minutes beforethe final bell!" Ms. Dillard made an excited face as her classmates around her cheered in elation. Charlotte jumped slightly at the loud noise before huffing once more. She leaned heavily on the palm of her hand when Ms. Dillard asked, "Before we leave, who would like to share with the class what their exciting plans are for the Summer?"

Hands were in the hair before she even finished her sentence. Lottie's attention once again fizzled out, the words around her becoming muffled as she sat numbly in her desk.

Ms. Dillard pointed towards a boy tow rows away from Charlotte, "Yes, Michael, would you like to share?" The class collectively groaned, but listened with rapt attention as the young boy shared, "I'm gonna go visit my grandparents in New York! We're gonna go see the Statue of Liberty!"

Wow, that's so exciting! Who else would like to share?" Ms. Dillard pressed, and hands were in the air within seconds. The teacher chose a couple more students, each one bragging about what they would be doing, trying to one up the other.

"We're going to Costa Rica!"

"We'll be going to our summer home!"

"Were gonna go to Disneyland!"

Ms. Dillard nodded along to each child, a kind smile on her face, but it slightly fell when they finally landed on her only withdrawn student. Frowning, she looked over the pale girl who was a shell of the bubbly young lady she once was. It didn't escape the teacher's attention that Charlotte was staring at the empty desk next to her. Her face was blank, but a whole storm of torment was crashing within her blue irises. Pursing her lips, and interrupting the slew of voices trying to talk over each other, the young teacher said, "Charlotte."

Everyone stilled and turned towards the girl, who straightened once she heard her name. Lottie's eyes scanned her classmates before landing on her teacher who gave her a sympathetic smile, "What will you be doing this Summer?"

Charlotte once again shifted her gaze around the classroom, her body moving uncomfortably in her seat before they once again landed on the teacher. Her pale face revealed slight panic, but Ms. Dillard only prompted softly with an encouraging smile, "Go on."

Letting out a steady breath, Lottie licked her lips before saying, "I'm gonna help Billy and his friends find the missing children." The room went deathly silent, and the mood shifted into a somber one. The cloud of happiness and innocence was overshadowed by what loomed over all of Derry;

Fear.

Ms. Dillard brought a shaky hand up to tuck a loos tendril of hair behind her ear, "That's... very thoughtful of you Lottie."

Lottie didn't make another comment, just sunk deeper into her chair as her eyes drifted to the window where the sun filled the field and promised many hot days to ahead. No one said a word either. The only sounds were the scraping of chairs or squeaking of hinges as small bodies shifted away from the gloomy girl that was once so very bright.

Finally, mercifully, the last bell rang and swift feet made a mad dash towards the door and to the front of the school. Ms. Dillard held the door open, saying goodbye to each of her children, wishing them a great summer, the only one that was left was Lottie. Ms. Dillard watched the girl with a frown as said girl stood in front of Georgie's desk, just staring at it. Approaching the girl slowly, Ms. Dillard asked softly, "Lottie, are you okay?"

Soft sniffles were heard, as Lottie didn't answer her right away, but when she did, she turned towards her old teacher, her eyes brimming with tears as she admitted, "I don't wanna leave. This is the last thing I have left of him."

"Oh.. Honey..." Ms. Dillard crouched to the young girl's level and admitted, "Honey, I don't think this is healthy for you. You need to let him go. Georgie is gone." Lottie's eyes widened with hurt, causing Ms. Dillard to flinch and say delicately, "I'm not saying to forget him. But.. Realistically Georgie isn't a-"

"No, stop," the girl pulled back, looking at her in warning but Ms. Dillard tried to explain, "Charlotte listen to me-"

"No! I don't wanna! Everyone has given up on Georgie! But he isn't dead! Billy and I will find him and prove everyone wrong, you'll see!" Charlotte screamed as fat tears cascaded down her face.

"Lottie!" Ms. Dillard called out to her, standing up and turning to watch the blond girl run away and down the hall. Letting out a sigh, the young teacher rubbed a hand down her face tiredly, before grabbing her things and closing up her classroom for the summer.

Outside, Evelyn Bardot stood by her car, waiting for her child to come out of school. She watched with an adoring smile on her face as the other school kids came out in droves a couple minutes after the last bell rang out. Her blue eyes scanned the faces for her little girl, only becoming slightly worried when after the last of the kids wrangled out, she didn't see her. Straightening her posture, she made to go in towards the school, her heart leaping in her chest as Missing Children Posters popped in her mind. An influx of them have been coming into work lately, and it was her worst nightmare thinking one day, it could be her own little girl.

With heart racing, she took five strides to the school only to take a deep breath once she saw her little girl bounding towards her. Although her anxieties returned rather quickly when she saw the tears streaming down her face. She let out a soft huff when Charlotte came barreling into her waist, hugging her tightly, as Evelyn's breath escaped her slightly. Looking down at her daughter in confusion, she wrapped her arms around her lovingly as she asked, "Sweetheart what's wrong?"

Charlotte let out a strangled sob, her little eyes shut tight, and her blond brows furrowed. Humming softly, Evelyn did her best to sooth her daughter, "Hey honey, it's okay. Everything will be okay, I promise. Do you wanna go pick up Daddy sweetie?"

Her blue eyes sparkled as she looked up tearily at her mother, "Can we see Billy too Momma?"

Evelyn's mouth quirked up in a slight smile as she huffed a laugh, "Of course sweetie. Although, I'm sure Billy will wanna play with his friends today." Lottie only sniffled but nodded in affirmation that she heard and the two made their way inside the car.

~~🎈~~

Bill stood out by the trash cans with his three friends, Eddie, Stan, and Richie as they studied the tenth year English teacher, Mr. Bardot scolding his nephew. How it all started was the group talking about their plans for tomorrow when Henry Bowers and his band of bullies had come up to them from nowhere to torment them. Bill himself would have gotten a beating to make up for the semester off, but Mr. Bardot, (every girl's wet dream according to Richie) had swooped out of nowhere with a casual smile and cuffed the older teens neck. "Henry, and friends, just the pack of troublemakers I wanted to see!"

Henry glared up at his Uncle by marriage and smacked away the hand that was on his neck, "What do you want old man?"

Mr. Bardot laughed as if Henry didn't insult him as he started, "The Mrs. And I have some chores around our house if you and your friends would like to come and help with those. It will keep you out of trouble. And we're willing to pay for your time."

Henry scoffed, and his friends looked nervous but laughed with him as he mocked, "Why the hell would we do that?"

The blonde English teacher's face turned serious as he took a step closer, his eyes flicking over his shoulder causing Henry to look over and see his Dad staring at them as Mr. Bardot said quietly, "You and I both know why. I don't think you really want me to have to say it out loud do you?"

Henry shifted from one foot to the next, breaking eye contact with his father, before he begrudgingly nodded. Mr. Bardot's face once again split into a pleasant smile as he gestured towards the blue sports car as he said to the group of teen bullies, "Great, let me walk you to your car and then we can discuss the details of..." his voice trailing off the farther away they became from the Loser's Club.

The group of tweens' jaw dropped, and to Bill, Richie's statement really didn't seem so far off now. He never saw Mr. Bardot as anything but a kind nerdy man who had longer hair and loved to write books in his spare time. But it was clear that he had more strength than they gave him credit for if he could wrangle the meanest kids in Derry and act as if they weren't a threat. Sure they were just kids. But he was one man, and he had his back turned to them at the moment, as if he knew they wouldn't try anything, or as if he knew they could easily be subdued.

They watched as the blonde English teacher walked back to them, all easy smiles as he greeted Bill and his friends, "I apologize for my nephew on his behalf."

"I-it's okay. We're u-u-used to it," Bill stuttered out. Mr. Bardot pursed his lips into a this line. His brows furrowed as he took in the group of boys in front of him before he nodded and was about to say something else when his wife called out, "James!"

The Loser's club turned and saw a panicked dark haired woman walk brisquely towards the English teacher. She held a blonde child in her arms that Bill immediately recognized as Charlotte. His heart leapt to his throat but he kept a calm composure as he and his friends observed the Bardot Family meet together a little farther away from them.

"So.. anyone else find Mrs. Bardot hot?" Richie questioned his friend group causing them all to turn and look at him in disbelief. When he got no response he continued, "What? I'm just saying, I'd bang her, but Eddie's mom already keeps me pretty busy!" He chuckled darkly as if he didn't disgust his friends. All of whom glared at him and spoke in unison, "Beep, beep Richie."

It was quiet for only a few more moments before Richie's brows furrowed and his nose scrunched up to push his glasses farther up the bridge of it as he said, "So... Charlotte's parents are obviously hot. Do you think she'll grow up to be a babe?"

Bill scowled, "Sh-shut up R-R-Richie."

"Dude, I'm just saying, she's obsessed with you, maybe you should just marry her if she grows up hot." Richie stated as he shrugged.

Eddie's face twisted in disgust, "She just turned ten though Richie."

Richie groaned and rolled his eyes, "Obviously I'm not talking about now, damn Eddie. When they obviously grow up. She's jailbait right now."

"S-s-stop calling her tha-a-at," Bill stuttered angrily. Richie opened his mouth to retort but all eyes turned to the Bardot family when they heard Georgie's best friend call out, "Billy!" The group of four and her parents watched as Lottie had twisted out of her parents arms, slipping to the floor and ran towards Bill before tackling him in a hug much like she did earlier to her Mother. Bill had to step back a couple steps as he wasn't prepared to have his arms full of an emotional ten year old, but his big brother instincts kicked in rather quickly, and without much thought he held Lottie tightly. The little girl buried her face in his chest, and he could do nothing except softly brush her hair out of her face while he waited for her to calm down.

It was odd, but he couldn't help the thought that even with his friends and her parents watching, when it came to Lottie he could only care about her well being. Maybe it was because she's Georgie's best friend. Maybe it was because he always wanted a little sister. But whatever the reason, he always felt braver when she was by his side, like he knew he could do anything as long as she stayed safe.

When she calmed down enough he asked, "F-f-feeling better?"

Lottie had pulled away, her face red, flushed from embarrassment, but she still hugged onto Bill as she nodded. He gave her a lopsided smile as he questioned, "You w-w-wanna talk ab-bout it?"

Lottie sighed but admitted, "Just miss Georgie."

A sharp throb entered his chest as he winced but agreed, "I do too."

It was quiet for a moment, no one around them saying a word, before Lottie finally looked up as she pulled away enough to look up at Bill and to play with his fingers, "We're going to the Barrens tomorrow, right Billy?"

Billy gave her a goofy smile and a nod causing her to let out a sigh as she shot him a matching smile. With more excitement she exclaimed, "Don't forget to come over for dinner Billy, you promised."

Bill blushed and turned towards Trashmouth when said boy threw his arm around Bill's neck when he exclaimed, "Don't worry Lottie, you can count on Bill. He never forgets your dates!"

Bill could hear Mr. Bardot's long suffering sigh at Richie's wording as well as Mrs. Bardot's light chuckle before Eddie whispered to Richie, "Beep, beep Richie."

But Lottie seemed to only smile brightly at Richie and Bill before saying her goodbyes, and running back towards her parents. Bill making eye contact with Mr. Bardot's pointed stare before the family of three officially walked away from the four boys. Bill watched them enter their car, only turning away when Richie said, "Damn, Jailbait really does have you wrapped around her tiny fingers."

"Oh sh-sh-shut up Richie," Bill glared as a furious blush consumed his cheeks as he shoved his friend away from him.

#It 2017 #bill denbrough #Female Oc #Loser's Club #Georgie x Oc (platonic)#Bill x oc ( one-sided)#slow burn #bill x beverly #Beverly Marsh #ben hanscom #mike hanlon #eddie kaspbrak #stan uris #richie tozier

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daydreamer999 · 4 months ago

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Eremophobia

Masterlist, Cast

Eremophobia: a specific phobia, or morbid fear, of being alone, isolated, abandoned, or ignored

Prologue: October 1988

“The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.” — Author Unknown

James sat beside his daughter at their dinner table, helping when she asked, while his eyes strayed towards his wife's as she stirred her famous homemade chicken noodle soup. Both shared a smirk, their eyes lighting up with mirth, before the two turned towards their Little Lottie whose tongue was poked out as she carefully glued on the extra hearts to decorate the care package.

The package itself was just a spare parcel that Evelyn had laying around, and extra brown rapping paper from their christmas holidays. In crayon, in loopy (messy) handwriting that Lottie thought was very pretty, was written, 'To Billy, from Lottie.'

It wasn't the message itself that made it clear to both parents that Lottie's crush was growing, but the excessive amount of hearts that she had drawn, as well as crafted onto it. She used buttons of different shapes, colors, and sizes to make hearts, she used stickers; she even used other colored paper to cut out and make a pop-out heart. It was a bit much, and both parents thought it was endearing that Bill was so patient with Charlotte and her ever growing feelings for him. So, when Lottie got off the phone with her best friend Georgie, announcing her Billy was sick and they needed to make a care package, James and Evelyn agreed and helped put together things they knew Bill would like.

James' smile softened as he watched his little girl's face twist into frustration. Chuckling lowly he asked, "What is it Lottie?"

"Something's missing. It doesn't quite feel like its for Billy," Lottie admitted distractedly, her blue eyes scanning each side of her parcel for any flaws. James scrubbed his beard, to hide a laugh as he commented, "Well, Bill likes baseball. Why don't you draw something related to that?"

Evelyn giggled softly as she watched the two, specifically her daughter, whose eyes grew in her excitement as she grinned up at her father, "Thanks Daddy!"

"No problem sweetheart," came his chuckled response. Once again the two parents shared a fond look before Evelyn began to ladle the soup into a stout thermos. James, who was watching his wife, began to gather the medicine to go in the care package, most of it being cherry flavored cough drops, and tissues (courtesy or Lottie). Although he made sure to grab Buckley's Cough Syrup and some cold medicine just in case.

"There, all done," Lottie announced with a proud nod, causing both parents to give her a smile as they inspected the box. Where there was space. Lottie had drawn Bill as best as she could, in his baseball uniform hitting a home run. Above it she wrote, 'Get well soon!'

Lottie bit her lip nervously as her eyes flitted between her parents, "Do you think he'll like it?"

James' lips quirked into a lopsided smile as he brought his arm around his little girl to pull her close, "Yes. I think he will." Lottie didn't say anything as she continued to bite her lip nervously, unconvinced despite her father's kind words. He studied her for a moment, his brows furrowing as he observed, "Lottie, you aren't usually shy about your feelings for Bill."

"I know," Charlotte muttered with a huff, as her blue irises flitted down towards her hands that fumbled together in her lap. Her cheeks were beginning to stain red through her frustration causing James to shift closer as he asked, "So what's wrong?" James and Evelyn were both surprised when their little girl finally brought her pretty eyes up towards them, only to see them shining with tears. Her face pulled into a pout as her breathing became more ragged, "What if he sees this and thinks I can't take care of him when we're older? What if he thinks I won't make a good wife?"

Both Bardot parents felt their jaws drop to the floor, before they had to hide behind their hands as to not let their girl know they were in fact laughing in disbelief. James all but had to look downward, his shaggy blonde hair covering his face as his shoulders shook in silent laughter. When Evelyn took in the sight of her husband, she steeled herself before walking over and sitting on the other side of Lottie. The girl looked back and forth at her parents before her gaze settled on her Mom who said, "Honey... You two are still so young, you have years before you even need to think like that. Besides, your feelings may change later in life. Shoot, I'd even go so far as to say you two may not even get married."

Despite the delicate and loving tone her mother spoke with her, Charlotte's face began to harden into a glare as she shot back, "Momma, I am going to marry Billy. I just know it. I won't settle for less."

James' head shot up as he mock scolded his wife, "You heard our girl. She's gonna marry that fine young man."

Evelyn smacked her husband playfully in the chest as she chuckled in disbelief and whispered over her daughter's head, "Love, don't encourage her."

James' laughed as he held his hand up in surrender, "Alright, alright." Taking a breath he sobered up as he ran one and through Lottie's blonde locks, "Lottie, in all seriousness, as pure as your intentions are, and as great of a person as Bill is... You cannot put all of your hopes and dreams into this. He may change, he could potentially hurt you..." Charlotte frowned up at her Dad, unsure why he even would suggest that about Bill. And she had a feeling he knew as well that what he said was ridiculous as his face twinged and he visibly winced. Steeling her nerves, she glared at each of her parents as she exclaimed, "But you always said that no dream is out of your reach if you work hard for it."

James' nervously ran a hand through his hair, "Well-"

"Well I know what I want, what my dream is. I am going to marry Bill," Charlotte declared with all of her conviction, leaving her parents momentarily speechless. With a huff James finally relented, "Well you better hurry and get your rain coat and boots on. Or else you may not have the future you want if you dally too long." Charlotte's eyes widened as she looked at the clock on the wall before making a mad dash to her room. The Bardot parents let out twin exhausted sighs before Evelyn frowned, her eyes wandering to where her child disappeared to, "At first I thought this was cute... But now I'm worried about this crush or hers."

James grunted with a nod, his eyes turning steely as he packed up the items in the care box, "We'll have to phone Zack and Sharon, ask 'em to keep an eye on her and Bill. Make sure they don't spend too much time alone together." His eyes found his wife's shocked expression so he quickly added, "Not that I think Bill would do anything to her, but.. come on. She won't be nine forever. They'll grow up, and even though Bill may not feel anything for her now, his feelings may change." His eyes fell on the warm thermos in his hands, his face pulled taunt as he mumbled, "It's best not to poke the bear."

Evelyn shifted in her seat, fingers tapping an erratic beat as she quickly nodded before her eyes flicked towards James, "You'd think she'd have a crush on Georgie. They are practically attached at the hip."

James leaned over and kissed his wife before pulling away enough to jest, "Well, she seems to get get that from her mother, wanting the older brother of her best friend." He admired her pretty blush before delving back in for another kiss. It was sweet, and simple yet passionate. And the two could feel it getting more heated but they quickly pulled away when they heard their little Lottie's footsteps bounding towards them.

"Come on! We need to hurry!" Charlotte pressed as she stared at her parents in disbelief. Her lavender purple raincoat and matching boots were already on, her blonde soft curls a slight mess, but she had made sure to dress in her pretty new raincoat to impress Billy. The elder Bardot's had a feeling that was why, but didn't press her, instead they exchanged a look before Evelyn mumbled to her husband, "I'll talk to Sharon when I drop her off. I think she'll understand." James hummed in reply before they all stood up, Evelyn grabbing her own beige raincoat and black boots, while James helped Lottie close the box and finish taping the last bit of wrapping on top. James tying it off with twine before walking his girls to the door. Opening up the door the family looked at the rain coming down in droves and James joked, "It's raining cats and dogs out there," turning to his wife, he leaned in to give her a sweet peck, "Drive safely darling."

"I will," she answered with another peck to the lips, pulling away she smiled as she looked at the rain before saying to James, "This is perfect writing weather for you love. Make sure to get some work done while we're out."

"I will Darling. Love you, stay safe," James waved to his wife as the two Bardot women made their way to their gold Ford Station wagon. James stayed on the porch and watched his girls leave, until they disappeared down the street. With a determined sigh, he finally turned towards the door, and made his way towards his office where he could focus writing his next book.

~~🎈~~

Lottie looked at the door in anticipation, rolling on the balls of her feet, she couldn't help the nerves that rolled through her like the thunder outside. Evelyn looked down at her daughter and sighed inaudibly, wondering if this really was a good idea now to have made a care package for Bill.

When the door finally opened, Sharon Denbrough smiled at the two Bardot women, her auburn hair pinned out of her face, "Evelyn, Charlotte! It's so nice to see you again!"

Charlotte tried not to grumble or stomp her foot, she could barely hide her pout as she glared up at the two mothers who were exchanging pleasantries. Her blue eyes skimmed past Mrs. Denbrough's figure and honed in on the stares where she knew her Billy was up in his room resting from a deathly cough. Looking back at her mother she couldn't help but think, "He could be dead right now, and they don't even care."

Shaking those devastating thoughts out of her head, she interrupted as politely as she could, "Excuse me Mrs. Denbrough?" The women both stopped and turned down to Lottie in surprise as the little girl pressed, "Can I please bring these up to Billy?" She held out her package for Sharon to see.

"Oh," was her only response as she inspected the simple paper that was overflowing with hearts. Sharon's eyes flickered to Evelyn who shifted uncomfortably but gave her a smile, "Georgie told her that Bill wasn't feeling good, and she wanted to make him a care package, hoping he'd feel better." Sharon smiled down at Lottie and complimented, "How thoughtful, I'm sure he'll love it. He's up in his room, Georgie's with him now. Please make sure to take off your boots before going up though."

Lottie nodded and did as instructed before hugging her package close to her chest and going up the stairs with care. The two moms watched her with matching frowns, before Sharon turned to her close friend and asked, "What's that all about?"

Evelyn's figure crumbled as she pinched her nose and closed her eyes, "Honestly, that's what I want to talk to you about. Lottie has got it in her head that she's going to marry your son."

"Georgie?" Sharon asked.

Shifting, Evelyn's gaze went to her boots as she admitted nervously, "No, Bill."

Sharon's jaw dropped before she laughed and squeezed Evelyn's arm, "That's funny, that's a good joke." When Evelyn didn't laugh with her, Sharon looked at her in shock, "What? Are you serious?"

"I wish I was joking," Evelyn groaned as she rubbed her face. Sharon ushered her friend inside, "Come in, come in. It looks like you could use a drink."

Upstairs, Lottie stood outside of Bill's door, her nerves tying her stomach in knots. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and felt her cheeks flush when she heard, "C-c-come in."

Slowly pushing the door open, Charlotte's eyes quickly scanned Bill's room before they landed on the two brothers, who were already looking at her. Georgie's gaze was set on the parcel in her hands as he asked excitedly, "You brought presents?"

Charlotte blushed but pulled away the package from Georgie's reach when he made to grab it. Bill stayed seated at his desk with a smile on his face as he watched his little brother's feisty friend scold him, "It's not for you Georgie! Don't grab at it." Georgie stopped his movements to grab the package, confusion settling on his face, "Then whose it for?"

The blonde girl felt her heart thump crazily, but she silently walked over to Bill, ignoring Georgie's question. Charlotte flicked her eyes upwards to connect to Bill's, whose own smile slipped slightly in his confusion as to why she was approaching him. Quietly, she set the parcel in his hands. The twelve year old blinked down at the simple parcel that was decorated in hearts before he inquired as he looked up, "Is th-this f-f-for me?" Charlotte nodded her head as she explained and played with her fingers, "Georgie said you weren't feeling well, so I made you a care package."

Bill studied the blushing girl for a moment longer before he smiled at her sweetly, "Thank y-y-you Lottie-e." Bill's brows rose when she practically beamed at him before she nodded towards the box and instructed, "Go ahead, open it."

Georgie huffed causing Bill to look over at his baby brother who was pouting at the two but his gaze quickly went back to the parcel in his hands. Shooting Lottie one more smile, he inspected the package closer to see that she had drawn him hitting a home run, and other random baseballs sprinkled throughout the hearts where there was space. He huffed out a quiet laugh before opening it with care. Bill could feel Georgie make his way back to his side, gazing over his shoulder to get a look, so he made sure to pick up each item and inspect it slowly so his jealous little brother wouldn't be too mad.

The first thing he grabbed was a thermos, and both brothers turned to Lottie as she explained, "I told Momma to make her famous Chicken Noodle Soup. I know you love it. Plus I'm pretty sure Momma puts something magical in there cuz it always makes me feel better." Bill smiled at the thoughtful gift before setting it on his desk and moving on to the other things inside. Bill's smile stayed on his face as he saw cough drops, medicine, and tissues. Putting the package down, he turned towards Lottie and pulled her into a hug as he said, "Th-thank you L-lottie." He heard her take in a sharp breath before she pulled away only enough for Bill to see her determined face.

He thought she looked like a cute angry cat, as her brows her furrowed and her cheeks puffed out in her scowl. But any thoughts he had, quickly dashed out the window as she declared, "Please get better Billy. You need to get better." The gravity of her voice shocked him enough that he only nodded dumbly, stuttering out a promise in response. Once she was satisfied, she leaned forward and planted a big kiss on his cheek, causing the twelve year old to flounder even further and become flustered. Bill wasn't quite sure what to do now, not sure how to act in front of his little brother's best friend.

Thankfully he never got the chance to respond, as his mother called the two nine year old's downstairs so that he could rest.

"Bye Billy," Lottie waved with a shy smile and a blush consuming her cheeks. She made a dash down the stairs, so he didn't miss Georgie's annoyed huff of breath. Bill frowned and asked, "W-what's wrong?"

Georgie pouted at him before he grumbled, "I knew her first. Find your own best friend."

Bill frowned as he tried to soothe his brother, "Georgie, I promise I'm not gonna take her away from you."

Georgie didn't respond to that statement, only grabbed his little paper boat and turned towards the door as he called out, "See you later."

Bill could only scoff in indignation as he watched Georgie close his door roughly but he couldn't exactly blame his little brother. Bill's eyes strayed to the parcel as he frowned and thought, "I'd be mad too if my best friend had a crush on my brother." Shaking the thoughts away, he pushed the items to the side before grabbing his walkie and standing by the window waiting to see both Georgie and Lottie leave the house. When he saw yellow and purple raincoat, did he pull it towards his mouth and say, "Be careful."

~~🎈~~

The two best friends were finally outside, watching the boat that Bill had made sail down the street, giggling slightly before Lottie raced towards it and grabbed it before it could go too far and bringing it back to Georgie. The two best friends made no conversation for a while, just chasing the boat and watching it float away for a couple times.

Lottie giggled and pushed her dripping blonde locks away from her face as she brought the boat back to Georgie, and made to turn to her spot where she could grab it. But she froze mid turn when she noticed that Georgie had been quiet for too long. Seeing a frown on her best friends face Lottie asked, "What's wrong?"

"Why do you wanna marry my brother?" Georgie asked in response catching Lottie off guard. Walking towards her friend, she thought for a moment before answering, "Billy is the best person I know. And just think, once we get married, you and I will actually be brother and sister." Georgie's lips turn upward at the thought as he conceded, "That would be better than what our Mom's think will happen."

"Yeah, I mean, I love you Georgie, but I could never marry you. You really are like my brother, it would be too weird," Lottie spoke and both kids' face twisted in disgust at the thought. Georgie adding, "Yeah, and you're like my sister. Plus girls are disgusting!"

"So are boys!"

"But you wanna marry my brother?"

"Billy's different," Lottie defended with a fierce blush overtaking her cheeks. The two giggled at one another once again, before Georgie frowned, "What if you never marry Bill? He's older than us, and he kissed that one girl."

"Beverly Marsh? But that was for a play, it didn't mean anything," Lottie argued.

Georgie shrugged, "I dunno, Richie says that Bill has had a huge crush on her since that kiss."

Charlotte's eyes blotted with tears as she crossed her arms, "Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't wanna pick between my brother and best friend Lottie," Georgie tried to explain but the young girl wasn't having any of it as she spat, "Well it seems like you just did."

"Lottie!"

She turned and walked on the opposite side of the street, heading out of the neighborhood, "No! You play by yourself Georgie Denbrough!" The young boy watched her run away in the rain with a pout, before putting his boat down in the water glumly. He wasn't really in the mood to play anymore, but he didn't want to go back inside yet, too upset with the dumb fight he got into with his best friend.

Looking up, he realized his boat was farther away than he anticipated. He began to run after it, dodging the Road block barrier, but he was so focused on his boat that he was getting close too, he didn't see the second one. He groaned as his head made contact, knocking him on his butt and causing his world to spin momentarily. Sitting up slowly, he looked further down the road to see that his boat was heading down another street. Jumping to his feet he raced towards his paper boat, only for his heart to skip a beat as he saw it go in the storm drain. Falling to his knees he called out, "No! No! Oh. Bill's gonna kill me."

His eyes scanned the darkness within the storm drain, an eerie feeling washing over him like the rain hitting his back. It was silent for only a moment before he let out a gasp and jumped back when glowing green eyes stared at him.

Stepping into the light, a clown was illuminated with a menacing smile painted on his face as he looked up at the boy whose heart was racing with fear. Putting on a friendly façade he said, "Hiya Georgie." Georgie said nothing in return, so the clown held up the SS Georgie as he said, "What a nice boat, Want it back?"

"Um, yes, please." Georgie answered warily.

"What a nice boy, I bet you have lots of friends," Pennywise said pleasantly.

Georgie frowned as he inspected the clown but divulged, "Only three, but Lottie and my brother and my best friends."

"Oh? And where are they?" the clown asked as his eyes scanned on either side of the boy trying to see if anyone was with him. Georgie relaxed minutely, as he answered glumly, "My best friend got mad and ran off, and my brother's in bed. He's sick."

Drool dripped down the clown's chin, his eyes slightly crazed as he said, "I bet I could cheer them up, starting with your brother. I'll give him a balloon." Pennywise watched as Georgie shifted his gaze over his shoulder before turning back to the clown, "Do you want a balloon too Georgie?"

"I'm not supposed to take stuff from strangers," Georgie repeated the rule his brother and parents instilled in him. Unfortunately, the clown had a rebuttal for this rule, "Oh... Well I'm Pennywise the Dancing Clown. 'Pennywise?' 'Yes.' 'Meet Georgie.' 'Georgie, meet Pennywise.'"

Georgie chuckled lightly causing more drool to drip from the clown's mouth as he said, "Now we aren't strangers, are we?"

"What are you doing down in the sewers?" Georgie asked.

"The storm blew me away," Pennywise chuckled, "It blew the whole circus away. Can you smell the circus Georgie?" When the young boy only stared Pennywise continued, "There's peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, and..."

Georgie thought for a moment before saying, "Popcorn?"

"Yes Georgie, popcorn!" Pennywise congratulated. The weary feeling didn't dissipate within the nine year old, so he didn't celebrate with the funny yet creepy clown. So Pennywise tried again, "Do you want you boat Georgie? Here take it, like you said... Bill's gonna kill you. So take it." He ended menacingly, "Take it Georgie."

Fear gripped Georgie, but the creepy clown had a point, so, despite his fear, he reached out to grab it, only to frown when the clown pulled it away from his reach. Pennywise's smile grew, not making the young boy feel any calmer in this situation. But he steeled his nerves anyways, and leaned closer towards the drain, and consequently, the clown.

When the boat was just a fingertip away, he felt the clown's grip his outstretched arm before sharp teeth penetrated into his skin. He let out a pained scream and tore himself away, falling onto the ground once more. Crying, he didn't realize right away that his arm was missing until his warm blood dripped onto his arm as he tried to crawl away calling out, "Help!" in between his cries of pain. Panic seized his heart as something gripped his booted ankle, and he could feel himself being dragged backwards towards the sewers.

Georgie tried to kick back, but he could feel himself getting weaker, and in his panic, he cried out for the one person he knew would come running to save him.

His last words were, "Billy!"

~~🎈~~

Lottie sat hiding behind some bushes brushing away her tears as she hugged her knees. Sniffling, her let out a sigh as the hurt in her heart throbbed still rather painfully. She was mad at Georgie still, but she knew she shouldn't be. Her real anger wasn't in her best friend, but the fact that so many have told her not to hold onto hope for her dreams.

She let out another long-suffering sigh, before he blue eyes scanned ahead of her, her mind trying to think of a way to say sorry to her best friend. It wasn't his fault after all for making sure that the two people he cared about didn't end up hurting the other.

Sirens wailed in the distance, causing her to perk up, and to peek around the bushes, the blue and red lights making their way towards her. She frowned, wondering what was going on, only to feel uneasy when she saw the patrol cars turn into Georgie's neighborhood. She waited until they all passed before standing up and repeating like a mantra, "Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay."

When the cars turned on Georgie's street, her fear spiked and without a second thought she made a mad dash towards the Denbrough's home.

As she pumped her legs as fast as they could go, tripping once or twice, her head filled with the worst kind of scenarios. The Denbrough's being attacked, her mother hurt, Billy having gotten worse.... Georgie being hurt. With her thoughts on Georgie, she felt her tears trickle down her face as she prayed that she was wrong, that her mom was safe, that the Denbrough's were safe. But all hope vanished when she finally made it to the Denbrough's and found the police cars parked out front.

She saw both mother's in a state, Billy standing behind them safe from the rain looking numb, and her uncle Sheriff Bowers looking at them grimly.

"Momma!" Charlotte called out, all turned to see the small girl running up to them. Bill seemed to have relaxed slightly, but she could tell the family was still tense.

Evelyn though, ran and met her daughter halfway, falling to her knees as she cried, "Lottie! Sweetie! Thank god your safe!"

Sharon made a step towards the reunited mother and daughter, her distress clear on her face when she asked, "Charlotte, where's Georgie? Is he with you?"

The blonde girl stiffened in her mother's arms as she frowned and shook her head, "No.... Why are they here?" She questioned as she made eye contact with a couple officers. At the same time, Mrs. Denbrough seemed to have lost all airs and decorum as she crumbled to her knees and wailed, calling out Georgie's name. Bill watched her silently, his own tears escaping his eyes causing Lottie to ask her Mom, "Momma, what's going on?"

Evelyn fought back the lump in her throat as she announced after a minute, "Honey... a neighbor called them in... she saw Georgie one minute and the next..... They found blood going down the storm drain." Lottie and Bill made eye contact before she turned back to her Mom when she said, "Lottie... Georgie's missing."

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