Ma Chérie (Beverly Marsh x Fem!Reader) (On Hold)

Chapter 31: A Renaissance Faire, Whatever That Is

She obviously doesn't mean it. It's not her fault she likes Bill and not me. Attraction and affection aren't exactly things we can control. If we could, I wouldn't be in love with Beverly. I would choose to have liked Addison, or Stanley, or Ben, or Mike. At least I wouldn't feel threatened everytime I grab Beverly's hand, even if it's not romantic.

My hand falls to the walkman I brought with, making me realize that that's what I forgot to give to Beverly. I bought that second walkman so she could listen to music when I'm not sharing mine with her, since I don't think she has one. She always just uses mine when we hang out' Slipping the headphones onto my ears, I press the play button.

One of Richie's many voices comes to life. "Well looky here. If it ain't mah sweet Y/n. Feeling lonely yet on yer advenchu?" I chuckle at the voice he makes, it sounding something like a country accent. "I is just heer tuh say that you best not furget to enjoy yourself and tuh not worry 'bout little old Derry." In the background, I hear him clearing his throat. He probably stepped back so it wouldn't get on the recording. "It's not your fault, about whatever you're most likely thinking right now. Sometimes things will just happen and we can't do anything to stop them. You and I know that better than anyone." I can almost see his soft smile, reassuring me that it'll be okay. "I recorded a bunch more things like this in between the songs, so just relax and have fun. You're on vacation for fucks sake!"

His stupid pep talk works a bit, though I'd never tell him that. I know that he really does care about what happens to me, like I do for him. It's all thanks to this wonderful society that has made it taboo to be ourselves in public. At least I'm not dead yet.

The car rolls to a stop, and I look outside. A bunch of tents and stands are set up. Everything looks old fashioned, but new. My dress comes from the same period as those buildings. It's odd, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before, but Derry isn't exactly the most up to date town. Opening the door, the sun shines directly into my eyes, temporarily blinding me. My family is talking amongst themselves, but I'm bitter about them not telling me anything, so I tune them out.

We arrive at the entrance and Dad pays the people dressed up in a pages' uniform at the gate. I stare at them, still not understanding what the fuck is going on. Above them is a banner saying "Welcome to the 1989 Renaissance Faire!" Well, now I know what it is, but not what goes on in one.

After we pass through the gate, I see a bunch of people, some dressed up, some just in regular clothes. They go from stand to stand, looking at items they have for sale. There are some bigger crowds of people around stages, those having seats. I assume it's part of the whole aesthetic to have shows or exhibitions for stuff that went on back in the Renaissance.

I see two people who are dressed in incredibly ornate fabrics, so I guess they're the king and queen. I know there was King Henry VIII in England, and I think that his wife would have to be Catherine of Aragon. At least, I think it's supposed to be set in England. That is usually the main focus of the Renaissance period whenever we learn about it in class.

Stupid Britons, always making everything about themselves. Though, like mother, like daughter. I hardly learn anything about other countries in school, but that might just be a Derry thing. My good friend Mike is always willing to study with me, since he doesn't go to physical school and does his homeschool stuff.

"So, what exactly are we doing here?" I stop, refusing to go forward until my question gets answered. "It's cool and all, with the whole theme, but why are we here?" I use my hands to gesture to the entire general area.

Mom and Dad stare at each other briefly, having a silent conversation. I'd say that Mom ended up being the one to talk, since that's what she does. "That's just it, we came here because we thought you would think it was cool, and a fun way to spend time with your siblings." While that makes me feel a little better, I'm still mad about not getting a nap. Mom must be able to see this, because she continues. "If you can find something cool under fifteen dollars I'll get it for you."