Linda sighed heavily before taking a deep breath, calming herself best she could as I continued to try and stop being so emotional. I'd had more stress then I could ever remember and at this point I'm sure I'd remember that much gut wrenching weight of emotions. Though the clown seemed to have proven this far that IT could vanish such memories and make a grown man seem not out of place with a small girl at her school.

What came next must have been from Linda knowing the same thing.

"Bobby, you're going to stay with Bill today. I have work and need to return the files I borrowed. Though I am going to make sure to get copies. I won't have time with my actual police work as well as my side investigating to keep an eye on you. Don't even get me started on the new guy. That asshole is already got me wanting to unload my firearm into him and I can't risk you running into him again and possibly getting hurt. So Billy has agreed with me that you'll ghost him today. Before you try and complain, we both figured no one will notice cause of the damn clown and his freaking mind tricks. Even so, try and behave."

She was practically begging me as she went back to dishing her food. I gave a weak nod before pushing my own food around before trying to eat again. More daintily, which had both Billy and her staring.

"Bobby, you don't have to change your habits now. Believe me when I say I don't mind and only see you even when you swallow a freaking roll log." Billy grinned as he reassured me, "If it bugged me do you think I'd be agreeing with Miss Linda that you and I should hang out all day with my friends? You're not that monster no matter how many traits you have cause of IT. You're Bobby Gray and that will always be who I see. A caring person and friend. IT can't say the same, now can IT?"

He had a point that I couldn't or more like wasn't willing to try and counter. I nodded again before wriggling my nose in thought before picking up three rolls. Both Billy and Linda looked confused as I stared at them, but went into full panic mod as soon as they saw me putting them into my mouth.

Billy was almost half way cross the table as Linda ran to my side ready to give me a good smack to the back. But no chocking came as I swallowed them and grinned.

Billy looked relieved, but Linda looked ready to choke me herself.

"You utter ass! What the hell!"

"Th..that was...h..hilarious!" Billy wheezed through his fit of laughter.

"What else can you do that with?"

"NO!" Linda shrieked pulling the rolls away quickly. "No more! I will not have this turn into a freak show and end up having you reach a limit and choke out in my kitchen mister! Get your ass cleaned up and dressed and out of this house before I regret allowing you and Bill to hang out and possibly cause more mischief."

Billy was now trying to stifle his laughter as I continued to grin. Though I was about to question about clothing when Linda answered without me asking.

"I grabbed some extra clothing for you while back before this whole thing started. I never know if you need the help or not and so thought it wise to have back up and so here we are and I was right. Now move it!"

She nearly swatted me with a spatula, though all in good fun. I ran off to her bathroom to do as told before easily finding the clothing she spoke off. With ease they were on and I was dashing down the stairs to join them once more. My mood lifted for the time. A spitting image of a child waking on Christmas Day to eagerly open ones gifts placed under the tree.

I nearly skid to a crash as I turned to head towards the kitchen. Landing on all fours before easily hopping up in a pounce as my balance returned. An unheard of feat for one as clumsy as myself. I hadn't even broke a sweat. No need for a rest for air either as I grinned wildly at the two standing in the kitchen.

"That has to be a record!" Bill awed as he headed out towards the front door. We may even be early to see the guys at this rate. I rode Silver here..."

"I made sure Bobby's own bike was ready for when he got up." Linda pipped up with a proud grin. "Helmet and all. So you two ride carefully and stay out of the trouble. Pull out of the way of cars and bike on the opposite so cars can see you coming and avoid you."

"Yes ma'am," Bill said quickly as I sighed heavily with my own, "Yes Mom."

"None of that snark mister and thank you Billy." Linda looked so relieved before coming over and pulling me into a tight hug. Speaking softly in my ear as I reluctantly returned the hug.

"No matter what Bobby, I love you."

She had said such things before but this time it took my breath away. Frozen in place as she peaked a kiss on my cheek before grinning at me with watery eyes.

I could feel the look of confusion on my face turn to one similar to her own. "I love you too Linda. No matter what." I gave her a peak before grinning devilishly and changing it to a full lick up her cheek.

She shrieked in disgust as not only myself, but Bill as we'll burst into laughter. I ran through the front door laughing as I try to avoid her fake fury as she tossed insults and swinging fists.

But a smile remained as Billy and I peddled away.

A terrible gnawing feeling began to grow in me as I smiled back and waved as she became but a distant spot. A feeling that what I'd been through so far would be nothing compared to what I would face and feel next.