Hello everyone! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I'm pleased to announce that the establishing is basically done, and things will pick up after this chapter. Thank you for reading along, and I hope you're all staying safe!
I also want to give a special thanks to WonderGirl001, guest, Izout, The Intergalatic Watermelon, starryeyedwr1ter, and guest for your reviews and feedback! I appreciate everything you say.
Warnings of suggestive comments and language in this chapter! Read at your own discretion.
I do not own anything.
Revised 04/06/22
"Some memories battened onto a person's mind like evil leeches, and certain words could bring them instantly back to squirming, feverish life."
― Stephen King, Gerald's Game
"Nellie, wake up, wake up, dumpling." Ms. Summers shook her daughter awake from her slumber.
"Am I late for school?" Penelope mumbled, groggy from sleep.
With rollers still in her hair, her mother sat daintily on the side of Penelope's bed. The clock on Penelope's desk read four am, four hours before school started. Carefully not to wrinkle her brown polka dot dress, Ms. Summers leaned forward to wipe away dried drool from her daughter's face.
"No, dumplin', but I do need you to get a move on and get ready for school," her mother smiled, red lipstick perfectly in place.
"Why? I'll get ready in three hours like normal," Penelope groaned, shoving her face into her pillow.
Her mother patted her head, walking a fine line between showing annoyance and faking perkiness. "Well, dear, Paul is coming over for breakfast, and I'm sure you'll have no fun with us two boring adults so why don't you . . .?"
"Get my ass out of the house?"
"Well, now, I wouldn't say that," her mother tutted disapprovingly, but the unspoken demand rang clear.
Sighing, Penelope rolled out of bed, and hastily grabbed an ankle length black skirt and a white blouse. As she angrily brushed her hair, the too common sting of her mother's negligence nagged at her. She cursed herself for not being used to the regular treatment.
Armed with her mother's very generous and thoughtful breakfast of a single piece of burned toast, Penelope left the house with nothing to do but wander the streets until school started.
The light lavender coloring of the sky comforted the sad teenager with its beauty, a small light in a dark moment. A handful of cars drove past her, no doubt store owners or unlucky employees with the opening shift. Only one another person strolled the streets aimlessly like her, a skinny blonde kid with some bruises speckling his arms and one on his cheek. Wearing a dirty t-shirt and jeans, the blonde boy shoved his hands in his pockets with his shoulders hunched, carrying an unseen burden.
I'm right there with you, kid, she thought miserably.
They walked, continuing to near each other. Once they almost passed one another, they made eye contact, and both nodded their heads, acknowledging the likelihood that unfortunate circumstances caused them to be the only ones awake in a sleeping town.
She passed the boy, continued walking, and decided to wait out the abundance of time at school. Throwing her bookbag down on the stone steps and using it as a pillow, the teen curled on the ground, closing her eyes to chase a few more precious moments of sleep and escape.
Seven fifty-two rolled around right as Connie, looking skittish as a rabbit, trudged up to Penelope who sat on the school's steps.
"Morning, Connie," Penelope greeted, brushing sediments off her skirt. "You okay?"
"Promise you won't be mad."
Penelope paused. "Why would I be mad?"
"Because Billy and I finally had a date last night, I may have possibly, accidentally told Billy you threw the stink bomb in Ace's car, and he possibly, maybe told Ace." Connie winced as Penelope's jaw dropped.
"Why on Earth would you do that?"
"I didn't mean to! Billy was complaining about how Ace was super pissed, and it just slipped out!" She clasped her hands together, begging. "Please, forgive me, Penelope!"
"I'm going to be murdered!" Penelope shouted drawing strange looks from passing students. "Because you wanted to get Billy's good side!"
Connie's jaw dropped, offended. "I didn't mean to, I was just so excited to finally spend alone time with Billy, and he wouldn't stop talking about Ace-."
The panic in Penelope's mind blocked Connie's excuse. She shook her head and snatched up her backpack. "You couldn't have lied? Ratting your friend out to a thug made sense to you?"
"Oh, Penelope, you are being ridiculous," Connie complained, though her tone implied she understood her friend's reaction.
Spinning on her heels, Penelope ran into the school, ducking behind every student, on the lookout for any Cobra member. Connie followed hot on her heels as more people entered the building, ready to endure a day of tortuous classes.
"You don't get it, Connie. Ace is dangerous. If he really cares about getting back at me then I'm done for."
The gravity of her words did not register with the black-haired female. Connie frowned, lips puckering. "You'll be fine. Um, I'll ask Billy to tell him to lay off."
Screaming in frustration, Penelope gave her a look that said Really? Billy would do that?
"I'm just trying to be helpful!" Connie cried as Penelope unsuccessfully tried to quell the anger that arose within her. Connie so easily ratted her to out to the Cobras of all people. For what? So her lousy boyfriend would pay a little attention to her?
She approached her friend and stood so close she could see the flecks of gold in Connie's blue eyes. She hissed in a low voice. "Connie, I try real hard to be supportive of your relationship with Billy. I listen to your problems even though half of them can be easily avoided, but I draw the line at you fucking me over in your pursuit for Billy's wayward affection."
Hurt visibly painted itself on the Palermo girl's face. Regret bit at Penelope, but the thought of Ace hunting her made her dig her heels in her resolve. Biting her tongue to avoid further saying something she would regret, Penelope darted across the hall to merge into a group of band students with their large, shiny instruments, a seemingly good idea. But the students were not pleased that the girl suddenly invaded their space.
"Hey, give us some room to breathe, will you?" An annoyed saxophonist shoved her away before she bumped into his instrument.
Right then an icy chill ran down her spine. Shakily, she turned, and down the end of the hall stormed Ace accompanied by Vince and Charlie on either side of him. His extremely blonde head stood out against the different multitude of hair colors. As other people filed in into the school around him, his shrewd gaze scoured the crowd.
"Penelope!"
Connie's desperate voice arose, clear and loud for everyone to hear. Penelope's throat was too dry to gulp as Ace froze. His head titled to the side. Connie called Penelope's name again, and the spider's eyes scoured the crowd until they landed on Penelope the defenseless fly. Ace's stare steeled, and he began marching towards her. Refusing to be murdered in the middle of the school's halls, Penelope fled, leaving the blonde, murderous spider behind her.
The thought of being caught by Ace made her so jittery, she could hardly focus during her classes. When final period rolled around, she immediately asked the teacher if she could go to the school nurse on account of an upset stomach. Right as she stepped foot out the classroom, she walked to the nurse's office, but in order to reach her destination, she had to pass by the faculty office.
The clacking of her shoes echoed through the immensely quiet hall. Maybe once she arrived at the nurse, she would play up the stomachache and be sent home. That would be a heavenly act of mercy. But what would she do about Connie? Despite their friendship being fairly new, Penelope felt awful being so harsh with her words, justified or not.
Should I apologize? She wondered. I bet she doesn't even care. I shouldn't either. But she did.
Voices ahead interrupted her thoughts. They were masculine voices that spoke quickly back and forth. One sounded patient while the other wavered on the edge of frustration. She slowed her steps as Principal Kelly emerged from his office with Eyeball Chambers. Eyeball wore annoyance proudly and unapologetically like a badge. His broad shoulders slouched, indicating he was eager to finish the conversation as Principal Kelly locked his office and spoke kindly to the student.
"I can speak with Mrs. Weathers about giving you an extension on that paper. It's an important part of your grade, and I know things at home are-."
"I don't need charity. More time or not, I'll get a shitty grade anyway." Eyeball shrugged. The principle gave him a disapproving stare under his glasses.
"Not if you apply yourself, Mr. Chambers."
Eyeball rolled his eyes and felt his pockets before pulling out a box of cigarettes. Principal Kelly snatched the cigarette from his fingers.
"That's prohibited for students on school grounds. Put the packet away, I'm tired of giving you detentions," The principal ordered sternly. Eyeball scoffed, amused with the authority figure's strictness.
"Will do, Captain Buzzkill," Eyeball snarkily quipped.
Principal Kelly pointed a warning finger at him. "Watch it. I want to see you improve your school performance before the year's out. You can't be constantly in and out of my office."
"Or what? You'll have to call my parents?" Sarcastic dripped from the brunette's voice.
"Perhaps." The tension could be felt from where Penelope stood. After an intense stare down, Principal Kelly pulled a notepad from his pocket and scribbled a note before holding it out for Eyeball to take.
"Here's your tardy excuse. Shape up, Mr. Chambers."
Eyeball snatched the excuse from him but remained standing in his spot. Principal Kelly sighed and began walking away. He noticed Penelope standing off to the side and pointed at her. "Get to where you're going, young lady."
His footsteps faded away, and soon the two teens were the only ones in the hall. Eyeball stared at the note in his hand, a contemplative crinkle between his brows. A moment passed, before he scoffed and ripped the note in two. He tossed it to the ground and grabbed a new cigarette - school rules be damned apparently. A cloud of smoke passed through his lips, and Penelope prepared to flee when his head turned. She drew in a sharp breath as their eyes clashed.
The warm brown gaze remained blank, before recognition set in, and a fiendish grin erupted across his face.
That's my cue to skedaddle the hell out of here, she decided. Without another thought, she spun and ran away for the second time today. His burning stare followed her as she slammed the exit door open and escaped outside. She couldn't go to the nurse if she was already dead.
She hid underneath the bleachers like a stowaway on a ship. Between the row spaces, she could see the track team being forced to run laps on the football field as the coach barked critiques on their speed. At least she wasn't the only one afraid out here. With all the running she had been doing today, maybe joining a sports team would be good for her.
An uncertain amount had passed since she left Eyeball behind and hid underneath the bleachers. She sat so long her ass started to ache, and when the cheerleading team filed onto the sidelines to start practice, she figured school must have ended thirty minutes ago.
I've probably been out here for an hour. The girls began stretching to prepare for their vigorous routine. Penelope decided to stay and watch. Seeing the girls perform their flips and kicks with fun, catchy chants always provided great entertainment, and some easy going fun sounded amazing. Maybe she should join a sports team. The girls looked like they were having the time of their lives.
As the cheerleaders began their routine, the tension in the Summers girl eased. Maybe she could convince Connie to try out for something with her. Well, maybe if they ever made up. Or maybe she just needed more friends.
Wake up, Penelope. This is exactly why you don't need to get close to people. One fight and now you're turned inside out. Get yourself together, she cursed herself.
She shook her head, freeing herself of dark thoughts, and continued to enjoy the cheerleading practice. One blonde, Regina Welsh, did a triple cartwheel and finished her moves in a perfect split. Her wide, pretty smile could be seen from Penelope's hiding spot. Even though no one would hear it, Penelope clapped enthusiastically as Regina moved to different dances.
"I wonder what you'd look like in one of those tiny outfits." A husky voice whispered in her ear. She flung herself back into the beams of the bleachers as Eyeball stood before her, smirking at her and sinfully pleased with her surprise.
She grappled for words, but nothing came to mind. Next best thing was to run. But he expected that, and suddenly his arms were on either side of her head, caging her against the beam. Trying not to show fear, she forced herself to stare at the lit cigarette tucked behind his ear expertly in a way not to singe his skin or hair.
"Let's see, your name escapes me," he spoke lowly and so casually cruel. "You're Palermo's friend. Mailbox girl, mommy's favorite. You were a popular subject yesterday with my boys."
Her jaw clenched, afraid if she spoke her voice would shake. Her silence only spurned him on. "I can't lie, it was quite interesting to learn that some quiet mouse had the balls to mess with my friend like that. It was brave, but you're not brave right now are you, mouse?"
The option of screaming occurred to her. Would she be loud enough? Would any of the students on the field come to her aid? The Chambers boy leaned so close that his scent invaded her senses. Mint and cigarette smoke, normally a good combination, but right now it was the scent of danger. A smirk played on his lips as his dark brown eyes scanned her face. "What's your name, doll?"
Her eyes snapped to his, and they engaged in a steady staring match. He remained quiet, patiently waiting for her answer. How many girls would love to be in this position locked in his arms secluded from prying eyes? Penelope just wanted to run. The storm of Eyeball was not something she wanted to be caught in. She could see the thunderclouds in his eyes waiting to unleash their lightning and rain.
She swallowed, mouth too dry. "How did you find me?"
His smug smirk twitched like he held back a laugh. "I smoke here all the time. It's not exactly a remote spot."
Damn it.
He quirked a brow. "Your name?" he asked again, this time more forceful and threatening.
She licked her chapped lips and whispered. "Penelope. Penelope Summers."
His smirk stayed in place, and her mind instantly transported back to him batting her mailbox off its hinges, and his eyes roaming her body as she defiantly stood against him. That felt like ages ago, but a Cobra never leaves its prey alone for too long.
"Were you listening to Kelly and me talk?" he questioned. His proximity muddled her thinking. She had not been this close to a boy since Denny, and Eyeball being that boy had her burning with anxiety and rage.
"I'm not answering anything until you back the fuck up," she spat. His eyebrows shot up and his smirk widened. She thought he would not listen, but surprisingly he lowered his hands, freeing her from his cage. Even though he did not step back, only a few inches were between them, not being trapped in his arms allowed her to breathe easier. He looked expectantly at her, waiting for an answer.
"I was trying to get to the nurse's office. Hearing your conversation was unintentional," she explained. He grabbed the cigarette from behind his ear and took a long inhale, appraising her as he did so. He blew the smoke into her face, and as she coughed, he spoke.
"So, you eavesdrop and ruin cars, it's always the quiet ones that are the freakiest."
She glowered at him. "I don't want trouble with you or your crew. I just want to be left alone."
She tried to leave, but the instant she turned away his hand lashed out and pulled her to him. He was not hurting her. His grip was only firm enough to hold her in place as he shook his head. "You see, that's not happening. Ace is out for blood, and it's you he wants."
"If you try anything, it'll be a stone I throw at his car next time," she snapped. "Maybe his tires will mysteriously disappear too, who knows?"
His cigarette dangled between his lips. "You're feisty, I like that."
"I would like for you to get your greasy hands off me." She wriggled in his grip. He yanked her closer until their noses almost touched. He stared pointedly into her eyes, warning her.
"Are you going to hurt me?" she asked. He analyzed her expression through half-lidded eyes and hummed thoughtfully.
"No, a game's no fun if the toy gets ruined," his voice a husky low whisper. "I just wanted to be a gentleman and meet you before Ace got to you."
"What's going to happen now?" she sneered at him. He did not respond, still holding her close to him. His minty scent wafted around her as his cigarette was in danger of falling from his lips.
"What are you two doing?" Their heads snapped to the side of the new voice. Regina Welsh stood a few feet away from them, sweaty and out of breath. In the midst their argument, they failed to notice the cheerleaders had taken a break. The blonde cheerleader stared at them in suspicion with her hands on her hips. Eyeball blinked and looked at Penelope once more, eyes alight with excitement.
"Now, the game begins, you better start running. I'll see you soon, Summers," he whispered before he relinquished his grip on her arms. He fixed a roguish smile on Regina. Now that the boy's attention was on the pretty cheerleader, Penelope took his advice and started running.
Back pressed against the brick wall, Penelope discreetly slid out the alley a fraction of an inch and looked both sides before declaring it safe to walk out. Weariness weighed in her bones, exhausted after a full school day of constantly running to her classes and skipping lunch. Evading people was soon becoming a talent of hers. Other than her daunting run in with Eyeball, she flew through the day unscathed. All she had left was to get through town, and she would be home free.
Every tentative step felt as if she walked on a thinning ice lake as the broad daylight exposed her.
Walk faster, faster, she urged her feet as she continued on the road, skirt swishing angrily around her ankles.
The loud roaring of a car engine sounded behind her. Gasping, she ran into the next alley and crouched behind a dumpster. The car continued to drive loudly down the road, but soon zoomed past, and the sound of wheels died in the distance.
Not caring about the dirty hiding place, Penelope leaned against the dumpster, relieved of her safety. Whoever was driving did not care about her, so they clearly were not a Cobra. Before she left her hiding spot, two kids sped into the same alley, chuckling and speaking excitedly like energized puppies. Penelope stilled once more as she recognized the shorter, brunette child as Gordie Lachance. The one holding a matchbox and a bag of something else was the blonde child from that morning. Gordie's smile awakened memories of that same smile on an older face. A shaky breath escaped her lips, and she sagged against the trash bin, paralyzed in her reminiscence.
"I snatched them from Mrs. Brooke's confiscation stash," the blonde snickered as the two kneeled in front of the back door of the Blue Point diner. Gordie stared at him in amazement.
"Boss, dude, you're a legend."
They dumped the contents on the ground, revealing a handful of cherry bombs. Penelope silently sighed, exasperated. She could tell where this headed, but at least these boys planned on having harmless fun. Unlike other people she knew.
Out of curiosity, she watched them light a couple of cherry bombs. The boys snickered gleefully and stooped to light more as the loud banging resonated in the alley.
Deciding to leave them to their fun, Penelope stood to go right as the Blue Point Diner backdoor swung open, and the cook, Mr. Rogers, in a grease-stained apron stalked towards the boys. His massive hands harshly clamped on either boys' shoulder and hauled them to their feet.
"You little shits, I'm tired of you damned kids comin' around here and causing trouble!" he shouted.
Gordie tried to wriggle out his grasp. "Hey, man, let go! We were just foolin', we didn't mean anything, honest!"
"I don't care if you two was playin' tic tac toe! You're not supposed to be back here, and I'm gonna give you what for!"
The blonde boy cursed at the cook defiantly, but the sight of horror and fear painting Gordie's face compelled Penelope to jump into action.
"There you boys are!" she gasped, mimicking relief, running to the three. They all stopped and stared at her as if she had two heads.
"I have been looking for you boys everywhere, I may have to tell your parents about this!" she tutted, hands on her hips in a disapproving stance. The bewildered boys leaned towards the enraged cook, favoring him instead of the random, crazy lady.
"Penelope, you know these two shits?" Mr. Rogers all but growled as he gave each boy a painful jerk. She clenched her fists, trying to hide her fury at the mistreatment of Dennis's brother.
"Yes, I do, I'm babysitting them," she lied smoothly, ignoring Chris and Gordie's raised brows. "I left for one minute to buy a Coke, and suddenly they ran off on me. I've been searching for them the past forty minutes."
She reached out for them. "I'm so relieved you found them." She gave a grateful smile. "How about I take them out of your hands now? I'll make sure they get punished accordingly."
Mr. Rogers pondered her words, but with one look at her pretty smile, his already scarlet face got even redder. "Oh, shucks, it's ok. I'm glad I could help you."
"I'm still babysitting Monday night, right?"
"Oh no, the guys had to cancel. I'll let you know whenever I need you again," he informed, deepening his voice. "I really appreciate your help, darling."
Finally, he released the boys, and they immediately ran to her side. She laid her hands gently on their shoulders. "Ok, well, thank you again for finding them. We'll be going now, bye!"
"Whoa, whoa, hey wait a minute." Mr. Rogers stopped them leaving. "Why don't you stay and get a bite to eat? I'll give you a discount on the bill."
His offer had her stomach rumbling, a loud reminder she missed lunch. Gordie and his friend looked at her uncertainly, and she gave their shoulders a comforting squeeze.
"Sounds like a deal."
The two twelve-year-olds sat quietly across from the older girl in a booth, studying her as if she were about to pull a knife on them and demand money.
Neither boy spoke a word when Penelope dragged them to the restaurant and ordered them to sit. She inspected the menu to hide her mind malfunctioning due to the fact that she was sitting across from Denny's brother, while the boys both wondered what was happening.
"Hey, can I take your order?" the pretty blonde waitress asked.
"I'll have a cheeseburger, a small fry, and Coke," she gestured to the boys. "And whatever they want."
Their eyes bulged comically. "Really?"
She smiled and nodded. Gordie was quick to order a large chocolate shake, but his friend squinted suspiciously at the girl.
"What's the catch?"
"The catch is that you eat and enjoy yourself. Nothing more."
That satisfied him. "Can I please have a cheeseburger and a vanilla shake?" he asked the waitress timidly like ordering and eating at a restaurant was foreign to him. Unbeknownst to Penelope, it was.
While the waitress left to put in their orders, Penelope took the chance to observe Gordie. He was the spitting image of Denny. Same dark hair, same kind eyes. Seeing any version of Denny had her heart soaring.
"Thanks for helping us out back there," Gordie smiled. His friend nodded, agreeing.
"Don't worry about it." The smile that stretched across her face came so easily and sincerely that she surprised herself. "Mr. Rogers owes me anyway. I babysit his daughter whenever he wants to booze his brains out without the wife knowing."
"Did you really know Dennis?"
"Who didn't?" she mumbled, unable keep her voice strong. Telling Gordie now her true relation to Dennis seemed cruel. They didn't need any more reminders of what was lost with Denny.
Gordie's gaze fell as an uncomfortable silence settled over the table. The waitress returned with the food. Penelope sighed in bliss as she bit into her food, but she still decided being hungry was worth not being killed by Ace and his stupid gang. After the boys got some food in their bellies, the mood brightened.
"This is the best thing I've ever tasted!" the blonde boy declared, clutching his milkshake in both hands.
"I'm glad," Penelope laughed. "So, do you two always get into trouble?"
"Not all the time," the blonde boy insisted, but the playful glint in his eyes said otherwise.
"What's your name anyway, kid?"
"Chris. Just Chris," he said, munching on his burger.
"Nice to meet you, Just Chris."
Both kids rolled their eyes at her cheesy joke. Conversation flowed after that. The boys cracked jokes with each other, and Penelope had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard at the crazy stories they told. Those boys constantly got into wild antics, and Penelope could not remember last time she had so much fun. The bell jingled as the entry door opened and in strolled trouble with Eyeball and Ace looking like they stepped right out a magazine with their casual posture and cigarettes tucked behind their ears.
"Shit." Penelope slouched down in her seat, trying to avoid being seen. Chris and Gordie turned to see what had caused their new friend such distress only to make eye contact with the two bullies that grinned wickedly and came over.
"Well, would you look at this, Eyeball," Ace's deep bass voice said in a fake surprised tone, blowing smoke out his mouth and waving his cigarette in the girl's face. "Dating a little young ain't ya, doll?"
"Go away, snakes," she muttered, avoiding looking at them causing them chuckle. Eyeball snatched Chris's shake.
"Hey, that's mine, asshole!" Chris snapped, reaching for his milkshake, but the older boy harshly shoved him back down.
"Not anymore." He and Ace both shared a condescending grin, before Ace blew smoke into the kid's face causing Chris to cough.
"You can't take that away from him," Penelope snapped, drawing Eyeball's attention. Thunderclouds rolled in his deep brown eyes.
"He's my kid brother, I can treat him however I want," he scoffed, roughly slamming the drink back onto the table. Seeing her evident surprise, Chris looked away, ashamed.
"Besides, we got a bone to pick with you," Eyeball's voice grew closer as he placed a hand on the table in front of her, and the other directly behind her head on the booth chair. He leaned in so close his cool breath fanned her face. She could smell nicotine on his breath and count the number of freckles that speckled his nose.
Seven.
At this proximity, she had no choice but to look directly into his warm brown eyes, strangely reminiscent of autumn leaves.
"A little bird told us you might have something to do with a little surprise left in my buddy's car," he murmured, voice husky and dangerous. So, he was going to act like their bleacher's conversation didn't happen?
"Maybe, maybe not," she growled back just as low. "Either way, he deserved it. All you Cobras need a good ass kicking for destroying everyone's shit."
Her anger only sparked condescending amusement in his expression.
"I wish you didn't say that," he sighed in mock disappointment. "You know, if you weren't so uptight, you'd be kinda hot."
Scoffing in offense, she shoved him back into Ace, who watched them with cool anger as the spider within began spinning its web. He only continued to gaze at her for a few moments more, before casually looking around the slightly crowded diner, but Penelope knew his attention remained on her.
"You have any idea what you did?" his quiet question felt like a trap.
"It was harmless payback for my mailbox." She dug her nails into the booth seat.
He snorted, half amused and half contemplative. "You fucked up my car. My dad was pissed."
"I wonder how pissed he'll be when he discovers you and your lackies vandalize the neighborhood."
"When he does?" She knew then she was fucked. "Are you planning on snitching?"
She shook her head, pressing herself closer to the booth, wishing she could disappear into it. "No, I'm not."
Her submission pleased him. "I'm a very forgiving guy, but unfortunately, I can't let this transgression go, I hope you can understand that."
He grinned and then she saw it, the predatory excitement that revealed itself before something bad happened. The breath caught in her throat, all hair on her arms raised.
"Hey, you!" Mr. Rogers shouted at them, pointing a spatula at Ace from the window into the kitchen. "No smoking in here!"
Ace mockingly bowed. "Of course, sir, just putting it out."
Without looking, he snubbed his cigarette into Chris's burger, effectively ruining the food to Chris's horror. Penelope's eyes held Ace's. She was already caught in his web, but he wouldn't finish her off today - that would be too easy, and how fun is a game that's too easy?
Eyeball laughed at Chris's crestfallen expression. They sauntered away to claim their own table. Chris stared glumly at his ruined food, and Gordie graciously covered it with a napkin. Penelope patted Chris's hand.
"Don't worry, I'll order another. To go this time."
She sent an icy glare to the back of Eyeball's stupid head. The asshole caught her eye and had the nerve to wink at her.
"Maybe I'll throw another stink bomb in Ace's car."
Chris brightened slightly. "That was you?"
With a shy nod as her answer, the three burst into laughter, momentarily forgetting the troubling presence of the two Cobras sitting across the diner. After wrapping a new burger for Chris, the two kids bid the girl farewell and ran out of the restaurant, off to experience more shenanigans. Penelope quickly paid the bill, but thoughts of the Chambers boys occupied her attention.
So, Eyeball had a brother? She heard a rumor he had a drunken father constantly in and out of prison, but a little brother never was mentioned. Then again, Eyeball showed no regard, hell, borderline disdain for Chris so them wanting no public relation to each other made sense.
Chris is definitely a mischievous little scamp, but he's a sweet kid, she decided. Her eyes drifted to the older brunette boy whose distinctive, high pitched laugh reverberated throughout the diner as Ace made a probably offensive joke.
She thought of when he trapped her in the booth, lowly speaking taunting words. The memory of his mint and cigarette smoke scent wafted around her like a persistent mosquito refusing to leave her alone. In certain lights, he could be described as handsome, maybe.
What? Vehemently, Penelope banished those traitorous thoughts.
Eyeball Chambers was a jerk and nothing more. If he wanted to be her enemy, then he would learn her storm clouds could be just as fearsome. She forcefully pushed through the exit door of the restaurant, leaving the cursed boy behind her. The image of his toned, well-muscled arms trapping her flashed through her mind.
"It doesn't matter if he's hypothetically cute," she grumbled to herself, stomping down the sidewalk. "His stupid mouth ruins it!"
No matter her frustration with the smug Chambers boy, Ace's threat followed her for the rest of day, resulting in her looking over her shoulder every few minutes, waiting for the blonde Cobra to be there and ready to attack. She did not like Eyeball in the least, but she hated Ace Merrill.
She hated him because in the darkest parts of her soul, a secret she refused to admit, he terrified her.
4 Months Ago
Once the sun went down, Castle Rock resembled Sleepy Hollow.
The buildings held a foreboding presence as its inhabitants slumbered, preparing for the next day of monotonous routine. That is why Penelope Summers routinely strolled the empty streets as soon as her mother's head hit her pillow.
Something about being the only one awake while the city slept around her exhilarated Penelope to the core.
Since no one was around, she could wear Denny's letterman jacket. She pulled it closer to her body as she skipped along the cement roads. She danced with the wind, allowing it to pull her in every which direction. She walked down Main Street, taking in the sights. Castle Rock was surprisingly beautiful at night in the moonlight.
She loved the isolation until she unknowingly wandered too far away.
In the darkness of night, the River Road chapel looked like it was ripped right out of a gothic novel. The lawn hadn't been cut yet so the beginnings of gnarly weeds and grass were tall but pretty. The stained glass windows reflected the moonlight in mystical beams. Penelope didn't go to church, but this building intrigued her with its beauty. Instinctively, Penelope reached for the door to find it open. She laughed. She would never get used to how trusting this town could be. It was hard to blame them since little actual crime happened apart from the occasional rowdiness from the Cobras.
Maybe if I pray hard enough Dad would come back.
Or my mom could fucking grow up.
Her mother failed to come home again. It's had been a full week now without a sight of her mother.
A door creaked, and Penelope dove in between pews to hide from the security guard. It wasn't the security.
She could only hear him in that quiet, dark sanctuary.
Heavy boots on wood, some splashing of liquid along furniture, and angry muttering. She flinched as broken glass sounded near her pew while more liquid fell on the floor. Footsteps sounded near her ears, and she froze. Who could be here? A criminal? An employee?
The footsteps continued toward the front of the church, and Penelope dared to peak out to see the other person. She recognized the bleached blonde hair and black outfit, but he swayed as if he struggled to stand upright. A half empty bottle dangled between his fingers. A trail of alcohol followed him to the alter where he stood surrounded by broken glass bottles.
She barely held back a gasp as he overturned a pew with a heavy kick of his foot.
"Fucking piece of shit . . . hits again. . . acts like such a saint here . . fuck him, fuck them all."
He continued to knock over pews and then the podium where the preacher would stand.
"Fucking house of shit thinks they're so much better than anyone else. We're all doomed to burn in hell."
He turned then. A drunken haze distorted his features, but what drew her attention were the dark bruises littering his face and neck. She had never seen him like this before - so unsteady and sad. He poured the rest of his drink on the ground as an almost pitying frown stayed on his face. He stared at the ground still muttering to himself as he walked towards the exit. Before he was completely out the door, he stopped and turned.
"Just want it away . . them away . . . he can. . . they can -."
Then, he smiled.
"Burn."
A lighter was out. The multiple trails of alcohol were alight with monstrous flames. They lashed at Penelope like snake tongues. She rolled out of hiding and to escape, but the flames blocked the exit. Smoke quickly filled the place as more and more of the church succumbed to its fiery fate. She wanted to scream - tried to scream, but the smoke had wrapped its reaper grip around her throat, and she couldn't breathe. She tried to look around, but smoke had blocked her vision. She stumbled and tried to use any lack of heat as her guide. Where she couldn't feel the fire, that's where she went.
The smoke filled her lungs. Her vision blurred. She wondered if her parents would plan her funeral together.
Beginning to fall, she landed against something firm and smooth. Glass. The glass windows!
She had to be fast. Her hands fumbled for anything not aflame and near her.
I can't die like this!
Gathering the last bits of her strength, Penelope tucked her in and ran towards the window as quick as she could. Fresh air embraced her while glass cut her skin as she landed on the grass. She gasped for breath, trying to come back down to Earth after what just transpired. Pain ripped through her as she noticed some burns on her feet and arms. She would have to mend those later. She couldn't even think of going to the hospital now. The fire spread and now completely consumed the building. Crying, Penelope crawled away as fast as she could.
If she went anywhere right now, the police would suspect she had something to do with it. But if she turned in Ace then she would be made known as the person who ratted him out, and after what she witnessed, she did not want him as an enemy. Above all the shouting thoughts scrambling her mind, one burned as bright as the flames that almost killed her and as menacing as the one who started them.
The memory of his face twisted with such unadulterated hate haunted her nightmares months later.
Scared out her wits, Penelope forced herself to stand and ran to the only person she could count on.