A/N: Hello, everyone. I hope you are all having a marvelous week so far. I'm pulling a Talking The Walk Dead and providing an exclusive sneak peek of what is to come in the upcoming chapter. I usually don't do this, but I felt like sharing. I am currently working Ch. 23 and 24 at the same time, while also streamlining the last two, possibly three chapters before I conclude this story of mine.
I know a lot of the last chapters are primarily focused on Ruth and her relationship with Pennywise, who, of course, is mostly Robert "Bob" Gray or "Robby," to Ruth, but it's for a reason. It's during this gap before the epic conclusion in IT Chapter One, which adds to the original storyline by one year, on how the two get close. These are the aftermath chapters back from Ch. 14 of Ruth maturing into the world with the obstacles she has to face, including relationship woes. But it's also about Ruth finding her true self without labels attached to her name and purpose going forward.
I promise you, the main movie storyline characters will return.
In the meantime, enjoy this incredibly short snippet of Chapter 23 and the last update for 2019. Happy New Year, everyone! :)
Ruth dangerously glares at Victor, her nose profusely bleeding. They can hear voices coming in from behind them, and neither are prepared.
Victor gaps helplessly, struggling to find the words to apologize.
"Don't say a fucking word," Ruth enunciates with a low snarl.
Her deepened voice frightened him. He's seen Ruth angry before but never like this. Her vicious expression alone made Victor shrink back into the stove in fear. Her hazel eyes darkened with rage, and the corners of her lips tightened. It is a look that could kill, and it seems she is on the verge of doing just that.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Belch inquired as he, Henry, and Robert entered the room.
Victor watched in horror when with a flip of a switch, Ruth feigned an innocent exterior with ease. He shook violently when Victor realized how much of Jordan laid dormant in Ruth's anger.
"I just wanted to personally thank Victor for the gifts he got me, is all."
Ruth turned to regard the others with an innocent smile and a bloody nose.
"Holy shit, what happened to you?" Belch exclaimed at the sight of blood.
"It's just a bloody nose. I get nosebleeds every so often if my sinuses are dry. Robert, can I get your help, please?"
Victor saw Ruth snatch the two photos and stuffed them in back pockets of her jeans. His stomach plummets from the sickening thought of her informing her newly acquired boyfriend of what he discovered. Victor is now beginning to wonder if he shouldn't have said anything. The glare she gave him before rushing off is warning enough.
Aw hell, I'm in deep shit now, Victor thought nervously.