𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫

33. A Christmas Merry-go-round

December 25, 1984

Footsteps thumped loudly down the stairs as the losers ran down them. All of them buzzing with excitement as today was Christmas. (Stan still enjoys the holiday with them). And this will be Richie's first official Christmas with the Wheelers.

Holly excitedly ran into Richie as he and the losers walked into the living room. Richie gave her a quick hug and then proceeded to put her onto his shoulders causing her to let out a loud sequel of joy. Making both Richie and Karen smile.

"Come on kids, let's open up some presents!" Karen said. The losers immediately flopping to the ground. Richie bringing Holly to the ground making her jump and squeal as she ran to the Christmas tree.

Karen started to grab boxes that laid under the decorated tree and passed the gifts to the designated person. Wrapping paper of all colors and patterns went flying around the room along with colorful ribbons.

A half an hour later the presents were almost gone except for two both of them for Richie. Holly ran up to him a small package grasped in her hands while a candy cane hanged from in-between her lips. "Thwis 's mih." Holly said.

Richie flashed her a playful grin as he took the box from her. He began to take off the top of the box. He was slightly shocked seeing what it was.

He took the gift out of the box. Holly jumping up excitedly. In his hand were a pair of very small hoop earrings. Which made both Stanley and Mike (w) snort making Richie glared at them both.

"I tried to tell Holly you didn't have your ears pierced but she insisted we get them. She said you would look amazing in them." Karen explained laughing slightly.

"Wuh, wike hem'?" Holly asked cheekily. Richie looked down at the earrings then at Holly before a grin played at his lips.

"Of course I do Princess Holly! It just looks like I'm going to need to get my ears pierced." Richie said as he ruffled his youngest cousin's blonde hair.

Karen grinned and laughed as she reached for the other present but Beverly stopped her. "Uh, is it okay Mrs. Wheeler, if we give Richie our present first?"

"Of course Beverly and like I said please call me Karen."

Richie furrowed his eyebrows. "Hold on a second I thought we agreed we are only getting one thing for each of us." He said throwing up his hands.

"Yeah well, tuff shit. Oh, uh, sorry." Beverly says seeing Ted glaring tiredly. The losers all began to laugh as they ran down to the basement.

Richie sat confused he was sure he got all his presents from the losers. He got a journal from Bill. "It's so you can write all of your thoughts and jokes in it." Bill had said. A couple of guitar picks from Beverly. "It's for once you can finally get that guitar you've always wanted. I also got you a pack of cigarettes which will definitely be having later on the roof." Of course, she had whispered the last part to him.

The Fleetwood Mac album Rumors from Stanley. "I was going to get you a book about birds so you can finally get educated but Bill said no." Richie had gotten an ABBA album from Mike. (which had been Mike's favorite album) "It's so you can hear some real music." Which made Richie laugh. (y'all can't tell me Mike doesn't listen to ABBA)