Goodbye Eddie...

Richie

My phone rings and for some reason I instantly fill with panic. I'm supposed to be on stage in two minutes but no. After answering an unexpected phone call from an old friend who I don't even remember forgetting, memories flood back reminding me of a traumatic childhood. It was Mike. I had completely forgotten about everything that happened in Derry twenty-something years ago. Thinking about my teen years is making me anxious. Derry feels like a lifetime ago.

As soon as I answer to Mikes voice, my heart stops. I know straight away why he's calling, there could only be one reason. I haven't spoken to any of my childhood friends since I moved away.

"It's back"

You've got to be shitting me. These two words would seem entirely meaningless to anyone else but not to me. Not to the losers. We were only kids when we made a promise to return to Derry if It were to ever come back. Big mistake.

Mike says he's called all of the others as well. But what if no one else comes back? Mike and I can't take on this nightmare alone. What's the point? There's no way we can beat this son of a bitch anyway. What about Eddie?

My stomach flips and I run outside to throw up. I don't know what's gotten into me, I never get this nervous. After giving myself a few seconds just to breath, I drag myself back inside and head towards the stage. I quickly down a bourbon and put a mint in my mouth.

I run on to the stage while a cheering crowd echoes in my head. I'm trying to get out my first joke out but my mind goes blank and half way through I forget what I'm meant to say next. I can hear people shouting at me calling me "trashmouth Tozier". Now that's a nickname I'll never be able to shake. I must look so stupid standing here not saying anything. The audience laughs at me as I panic and run off stage. It's just too much.

I go and pack my stuff. I'm leaving for Derry first thing tomorrow.