Clown (D&DxIT) <Paused>

Chapter 15- Pain

A/N: I did do my research before I wrote this chapter. I used stephenking.fandom.com. I went with the story from the original It.
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Jessica woke up with a sharp pain in her hand. She sat up and looked around. Everyone was passed out, but Richie was nowhere to be seen. Jess quietly got up and went outside on the porch. She saw Richie and sat next to him on the steps.

"Oh.. Hey Jess." Richie said, wiping his eyes.

"Are you okay?" She looked at him.

"Just Uh.." he sniffed. "Ya know. Life."

"What's going on, Rich?" Jess asked.

"My dad has always been nice. He loves me and I know it. But my mother she.. she wishes I was a girl. So I could better understand some of the things I say and do. My ADHD is bad, and I don't have much control over the things I say. But it's hard. I hold back on saying I like Eddie and.." Richie started crying again. "I feel like my mom doesn't want me.. I feel like Eddie is just holding back that he doesn't actually like me." Jessica put her hand on his shoulder.

"Richie.." Jessica grabbed him and hugged him. He cried into her shoulder. "It's okay.." Jessica held him. She rubbed his back, and he breathed heavy. Richie pulled away.

"Thanks, Jess.." he smiled.

"It's okay, Richie.. You're okay. Your mom.. she just doesn't understand. Eddie.. his feelings are deep. You have to bring them out. You can't do anything about your ADHD except deal with it." Jess gave him a comforting smile.

"Why are you up?" Rich asked, changing conversation.

"Oh uh.." Jess looked at her hand. It was bruised. "I woke up with a pain in my hand. And now it's bruised."

"Weird.." Richie said, looking at it.

"Yeah.. also about earlier, with the mind flayer.. did you lie to them that you didn't see anything?"

"Yeah. I don't think we should've told them yet. Maybe later."

"Yeah.." Jess looked at him. "Richie how long have you been up?"

"I haven't slept.." Richie answered. "I have too much on my mind.."

"Makes sense." Jess and Richie sat in a comfortable silence.

After a few minutes Jessica spoke again. "Do you have any Jolt?" She asked.

"Um.." Richie thought. "Yeah. In the fridge on the door."

"Alright, thanks." Jess said. Rich smiled. She stood up and walked back through the door. She walked into the kitchen and quietly opened the fridge. She grabbed one, and quietly ran back outside to join up with Richie.

Richie was smoking a cigarette when Jess came back. Jess opened her drink and sat down. She took a swig, almost finishing it. "Whoa! Slow down Jess!" Richie said, taking the can from her. He took a swig.

"Sorry. I just need the energy and I physically just can't sleep well." Jess said, taking her can back from Richie. He nodded.

"I don't either. I usually sit out here and smoke or drink. I'm like a sad drunk man." Richie explained.

"I kinda see it." Jess thought for a second. "How often are your parents out?"

"They are barely home during the summer. They are always doing something. They never tell me when they are leaving. They just leave and leave a note. It's annoying but I've learned to take care of myself."

"Well. At least you know how to take care of yourself. That's good." Jess smiled.

"I guess." Richie blew out smoke. "It whatever."

Jess nodded and finished the drink. "I'm sorry Rich. Parents suck. I live with my friend Mike's parents." She explained what happened.

"I'm so sorry Jess." Rich said. He gave her a hug.

"It's alright. Karen and Ted are as close as I could get. Plus I have Mike." Rich nodded. Jess and Richie looked up at the sky and watched as the stars disappeared. The sun was rising and Jess leaned on Richies shoulder. Rich put his arm around her, put his cigarette in his mouth and breathed in. He blew out and closed his eyes.