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Richies family was well off and Derry was in the bible belt. Those two circumstances meant that Richies internalized homophobia was justified. Two guys kissing? He just didn’t think it was normal. That’s why when these thoughts about Connor startled him. None the less, he was still thrilled when he saw an opportunity to hang out.
Trashmouth excitedly called up the losers. The plan was for them to sneak out and Bill drive them. The whole sneaking out to a grade a assholes party? yeah it seemed like a bad idea. but life is full of risks. Why should he the possibility of being brutally murdered stop him from having a bit of fun?
He pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He knew Eddie would yell at him but this is an addiction. He biked up to Bill’s and waited impatiently for the rest of the losers to show up.
“Richie, have you been smoking?” Eddie asked. He sounded concerned, as he always was about this stuff. Richie did try to quit for a while.
“Come on Spaghetti, you act like it will kill me!” Richie quickly said, hoping the joke would calm Eddie down.
“Don’t call me that. Plus it will kill you.“
“Come on g-guys, let’s go.” Bill interjected, hoping the two would quit their bickering for once. Everyone finally got in the van. The car ride was filled with jokes and laughter.
They had arrived to the party 30 minutes late. The place was already littered with empty red cups and cigarette butts. Richie immediately started drinking, ignoring Eddie’s complaints. Within 20 minutes he was drunk.