A/N: Hello, everyone. I hope you are all doing alright and staying safe.
I'm just going to note the happenings in this chapter are still the same. The only difference is some dialogue changes and addition I removed from the first draft, which will have a role in future chapters. So, keep an eye out.
Anyway, enjoy the read :)
It's hard not to see the stares at times. It's a constant factor when in the public eye. Some would glare with distaste while others snub their nose. The one that bothers Ruth the most is the "just die already" look. She sees that expression more often than most.
Ruth has thought about it, ending her suffering. Except, there are moments Ruth holds onto hope someone will look her way and not want to wish harm. She would love for anyone to smile brightly at her. You know, those grins that let Ruth know they are glad to see her. Ruth wishes someone will look past the horrid nickname and give her a chance.
She knows her secret crush Stanley Uris smiles. Except, it seems he only acknowledges her. For Ruth, that is not enough. If someone is going to notice her and bother smiling, make it count. She can tell he wants to do more but is afraid of taking that step. Ruth has tried numerous times, but Twitchy Eddie stops her from getting close. Richie Tozier, though, is another story. He tends to throw the nickname around and crack jokes. Most of them are somewhat funny, but Richie likes to pour more salt on the wound. Stanley always keeps quiet while Eddie and Richie laugh, avoiding eye contact with her.
So, Ruth resulted in keeping her distance from those three. Ruth does, however, wished she were like Richie. She may hate him to a degree for making fun of her, but the boy is a freaking comedy king. Ruth remembered pulling a prank on Eddie for her enjoyment. The outcome is what she expected and more. Eddie ended up jumping out of his chair and to the other side of the room. Richie laughed so hard he about fell out of his chair. Actually, Ruth got the whole classroom laughing. After he got over the hilarity of Eddie's girly scream, Richie tattled on her with a pleased grin. It almost felt like Richie was amused, and maybe even a little proud Ruth pulled a prank on his friend. Of course, she got into trouble and was sent to the principal's office.
Ruth thought she would be in even more trouble when they called on her mother at work. Jordan was not exactly happy but didn't think getting sent to the principal's office over a simple prank was that bad. If someone had gotten hurt, then Jordan would be furious. The principal suggested dismissing Ruth home early would be a suitable punishment, but Jordan thought differently. She laid into him and had Ruth remain in school because Jordan knew Ruth is at the top of her class despite her reputation. Besides, it was the first time Ruth did something and should be given a warning. All the other times Jordan or Jonathan was called to the school was because she got hurt from school bullies.
When she got home from school, Jordan sat down with Ruth and had a long discussion. Ruth did get a mild slap in the face but wasn't terribly punished for pulling a prank on someone.
When Jonathan found out, he had a different reaction by laughing and said something on the lines of "At least the skank has a sense of humor." Ruth was grateful he didn't do anything to her that night as a "reward" for excelling in her academics.
They may have their moments, but Ruth wished they would disappear. Except, she knew what would happen if they did. It's off to a foster care system or an orphanage, which Ruth doesn't want a part of it. Ruth certainly can't ask for help when no one wants nothing to do with her.
Ruth sighs heavily, reading in the corner. It's been no more than five minutes since Ben ran out of here. She hopes that he will be careful and watch out for Bowers. Ruth knows Henry likes to harras Ben and would hate it if Ben accidentally ran into him. Ruth has to be careful, too. If Henry Bowers sees her and does anything else, Jordan will do something about it. She hates the mullet head for some strange reason. Of course, Jordan will never reveal why.
"Amidst the mists and coldest frosts," Mrs. Starret suddenly spoke, drawing Ruth out of her thoughts.
Even while she read, Ruth is still able to finish.
"He thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts."
She looks up at the librarian then, curious.
"You've memorized the rhyme quite well since you have read it seven times now." The woman comments amusingly.
"You're certainly going out of your way in talking to me, Mrs. Starret. I thought you hated me."
"Oh, I do. I couldn't help but notice the small tower of books you're building. Interesting choices, by the way. Hmm, One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath classic American Literature." She names off the books while picking them up and observing the spine.
"Of course, your favorite Donovan's Brain. Ooh, another classic and my personal favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird. I see you're learning the Swedish Language, unusual choice, but beneficial. And what's this one you're reading." Mrs. Starret rambles excitedly, lifting the book slightly to see the title of Ruth's current read.
"Ooh, now that is an interesting and macabre pick."
Ruth stares at Mrs. Starret strangely, a little put off by her behavior. "Yeah, I'm just broadening my horizons. If you don't mind me asking, but what are you doing over here?"
The woman folds her arms. "I wanted to check in on you, that's all. Are you going to check out those books today?"
Ruth's brows droop downwards. "I'm confused. I thought you didn't want me to leave here with books in my possession."
The woman pauses for a moment, resisting a shiver.
"A change in heart, of the sort. Plus, you can't hide here forever. We do have specific hours, you know."
A weight sat on Ruth's shoulders. She gulps. "I know. It's at least someplace to go instead of being home all the time."
Mrs. Starret noticed the girl's tone then glances down at Ruth's arms. Her eyes land on the bandage, along with the scars, then frowns.
Ruth caught the woman staring at them. She lays the book on the table before concealing her arms and hands under the table. Mrs. Starret realized she shouldn't have seen the scars on the young girl.
"Stay as long as you need. Just come up to the front desk whenever you're ready to check out. Enjoy your horror book, Ruth."
The woman turns away, shutting her eyes in guilt.
"Oh, that poor child," she mouthed to herself, leaving a confused Ruth to stare at her.
Mrs. Starret treated Ruth differently for the rest of the afternoon. It was strange, really, but Ruth liked the change. Maybe things are looking up for her in some areas. Except she still gets those looks from civilians who don't recognize the scars. Is that why the librarian Mrs. Starret acted differently? Because the wounds showed the abuse that her parents lay on her? This gave Ruth a chance to reach out to someone else for help. If they see the physical scars, maybe they can look past the horrid nickname.
Ruth leisurely walked down the sidewalk, paying no mind to the civilians she passed. She held onto the library books tightly and with a light smile. Ruth is looking forward to finishing up the horror book she started. As Mrs. Starret put it, the novel is macabre. She enjoys a good horror book, but this one, in particular, enthralled her. It may even become her new favorite.
As she walked with her smile, Ruth never noticed the downwind threat.
"Hey, Greyson," a voice Ruth is familiar with called.
She stumbled, her smile vanishing into a deep frown, and eyes widened.
Crap!
Ruth attempts to run but stops when arms wrap around her neck possessively. Another grabs Ruth from behind, groping her butt.
She backhands Victor, who gaped at her but grins wildly. "Damnit, Vic! Will you ever learn to keep your hands to yourself, you pervert?"
"You should learn by now that I won't. I can tell you've toned up a little, too." He deviously smirks with a wink.
Ruth visibly cringes.
"Ooh, what do we have here?" Belch smirks, grabbing at the books.
"Be careful with those, Reg. They're library books, not your superhero comics to miss handle."
"Pipe it down, Greyson. We just want to say, "hello." Is there something wrong with that?" Henry asked her, who has his arm around her.
Ruth inwardly groans, not liking him being this close.
"You're not supposed to be near me, you dolt. Now leave me be. I'm not in the mood for you."
"I'm not in a good mood either, girly. My old man is going to have my ass for losing my pocketknife."
"Aw, did the little baby lose his toy?" Ruth mocked.
"It's not a toy. I freaking lost it chasing Tit's around."
"Tits? Did a big-chested girl catch your attention?"
Henry goes to answer when Belch reads out loud the books she has.
"You got a lot of books here. To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, a book to learn Swedish, and what is this one? The Hellbound Heart. I didn't think you would be into romance, Ruth."
Ruth rolls her eyes. "It's a horror novel, dumbass. If it were a nauseating romance novel, it would have the cliché cover of a smoking hot man with an equally attractive woman being fondled."
Belch rose a brow and smirked knowingly.
"You painted a perfect picture. I'm sure you would like_."
He is immediately cut off from Ruth lightly smacking him.
"Ow!"
"Shut up, perv. Now hand them over."
"Nope, I think I'm going to hold onto these."
"If you_." Ruth stopped when she realized something.
She glances from Belch to Victor, then Henry.
"Um, where's Patrick?" Ruth gently asked, confused.
The three didn't say anything at first, only shrugged.
"We don't know. We chased the fat kid, Ben Hanscom, into the barrens. Patrick went after him but haven't seen him since. I'm sure he's still looking." Victor explained, hopeful.
"Or he's gone missing like the others," Ruth suggests without thinking.
She probably shouldn't have said it, though. Henry's grip on her shoulder tightened.
"Don't you say that! He's fine! He, he just got held up somewhere." Henry yells, his fury showing.
This might be Ruth's opening. "What's the matter, Henry? Do you miss your boyfriend already?"
Belch and Victor take a step back, brows arched high.
"Welp, she's dead," Vic whispered to Belch.
"Ten bucks, she escapes." Belch wagered.
"Twenty, she trips, hurts herself, and escapes." Vic counters.
"Done."
They both shook on it, watching the encounter unfold.
Henry ignores them. His jaw sets, and eyes burned like wildfire.
"I already told you I wasn't in a good mood, so don't push me." He warns.
"Oh, come on, Henry. You mean to tell me there isn't anything going on between you two?"
Henry's anger boiled over.
"Victor, give me your pocketknife."
"Henry, just take it easy."
"I said, give it here… now!" He orders, glaring at Ruth.
She's not afraid, though. Ruth has a plan going through her head.
Victor reluctantly gave Henry his pocketknife.
Henry grips the hilt harshly while eyeing Ruth viciously.
"Say that again, Greyson, I'll scar that pretty face of yours." He threatens.
Ruth inwardly grins, waiting for her opening.
"Go ahead then. You're not afraid of what Jordan might do to you, are you? Or, are you scared your father will do something? Do know, we're a lot alike, Bowers. So, go on. Cut me."
His lips tighten. "Don't test me, Ruthie."
Ruth unknowingly smirks, which only made Henry angrier.
"Cut me, queer."
"Hey! Leave the girl alone!" A bystander growled as they started towards them with sleeves rolled to their elbows, ready to brawl.
Henry and the others glanced over their shoulders at the intruder. The only thing the teenagers could depict from their silhouette is that the guy is tall.
This distraction from the stranger gave Ruth her opening. She swiftly elbows Henry in the ribs and stomach, then knees him in the groin. He lets go with a painful groan. Ruth thrusts the butt of palm upwards at Belch's nose and snatches the books back. One of them falls. Victor steps back with arms up to avoid getting hit, but Ruth punched him anyway in the jaw. After assaulting the idiots, Ruth sprints.
"Thank you!" She yells out to the stranger.
They didn't respond back just watched her run with a small wave.
"Argh! I think she broke my nose!" Belch yells.
"She kneed me in the gonads. How do you think I feel?" Henry pauses, groaning. "Go after her, Vic!" Henry shouts.
Victor quickly followed instructions and went tearing after Ruth.
"Get the car, Belch!" Henry instructed. He then followed behind Victor.
Belch groaned as he stumbled over the dropped book, which he is quick to snatch up. He stops to eyeball the cover with mild interest.
"Hmm, I wonder if it's any good," he thought out loud.
Belch soon remembered the tall stranger who interfered moments ago. He whirls around to acknowledge them, but to his surprise, whoever they were, had already disappeared. Bewildered, he glanced around for the lanky man but was nowhere in sight. Belch frowns and furrows his brows but ultimately decides to brush the guy's disappearance off to watch Henry and Victor chase after Ruth instead of getting his car. He wants to make sure that she escapes unscathed. He doesn't want anything to happen to her.
Ruth pants heavily. The wind whistles past her ears, and her small feet pound harshly on the pavement. She is not exactly the best runner, but not great, either. Ruth can run but prefers not to. Her feet get sore quickly, and her knees ache, plus Ruth gets horrible shin splits. She can hear Victor and Henry running after her, which Ruth figured would happen.
She glances over her shoulder at them. Ruth put some distance between them and can see they are running out of energy, Henry especially. She can see it in his eyes that he, along with Victor, grew exhausted.
Ruth grins proudly. Ha!
Along with not being that great of a runner, Ruth is no swan either. She can stand on her own two feet, but the girl is a klutz. Exhaustion sometimes causes of her clumsiness. Ruth doesn't get a whole lot of sleep these days. Being tired and lack of grace is not a favorable combination either.
When Ruth is in a rush like right now, she can be reckless and careless at times. She sees her escape for freedom in hindsight, the other side of the crosswalk. At this pace, Ruth can get there before the three-thirty delivery truck. The determined girl crosses the road.
Ruth can hear Victor and Henry slowing down, which made her grin victoriously. She makes a final glance over her shoulder at them. They slowly come to a stop, panting to catch their breath. Ruth can feel Henry's livid gaze on her. Victor can only watch in exhaustion.
Despite the distance, Ruth doesn't stop. Without looking ahead of her, Ruth failed to notice the flashing "don't walk" sign. Even worse, Ruth trips. She was only a few feet away from the curb when she took the fall. The books that were in her arm fly out in front of her. Ruth lands harshly on her chest and stomach, knocking the wind out of her. She can feel her hands and elbows unpleasantly sting from getting scraped. Ruth had to get up, but the fall rendered her immobile. The run also weakened Ruth, especially since she hasn't eaten at all today. Ruth grew dizzy as she stumbled up.
Ruth can hear her name.
"RUTH!" Henry calls.
That's when she hears it, a blare of a horn.
Ruth shook her head and attempts to run out of the way but collapses with a cry.
"RUTH!"
The horn blares louder.
Ruth fights the exhaustion to stand again, but she can tell it's near impossible to get out of the damage path now. She tries, anyway. When Ruth did manage to get her bearings after the fall, the truck was drawing ever closer. She doesn't glance at it. Ruth starts to move when a hard tug pulled her out of the damage path. Ruth is thrown harshly to the ground, grunting.
The horn pierces her ears as the truck zoomed past her.
Ruth covers her ears from the loud noise. She is grateful someone was kind of enough to save her. She glances over her narrow shoulder to see who her savior was. Ruth finds a black boy panicking, but he's not eyeing her. He gathers the fallen books in a frenzy and tosses them inside a basket on his bicycle.
"Come on, girly, we got to go!" the boy yells.
He is quick to help her up, guiding her to his bike.
"Who are you?"
"We don't have time for this, stiff legs. Come on now, get on!" The boy replies quickly.
Ruth pursed her lips and furrowed her brows. "Stiff legs?"
"RUTH!"
Ruth hears Henry's frantically call. She glances over her shoulder to see him running after her, concern still etched on his features.
"Shit! Tell me where!"
"The basket! Get in the basket!"
"In there?" Ruth questions, pointing.
The boy snatches Ruth at the waist, who rightfully squeaks in protest, and hoists her into the basket. Ruth plops in, fitting snuggly and securely. It felt a little weird, though, with the books underneath her, but it's passable. They both hear Henry calling to them and getting closer.
"I'm Mike, by the way," Mike whispers into her ear.
Ruth doesn't get to introduce herself when Mike started pedaling, and he is fast. Mike rode like the speed of lightning. The wind rushed past her ears as if she were on a bungee jump. The warm air stung her eyes, preventing Ruth to watch. Instead, she imagined herself on a roller coaster at a carnival. Ruth imagined all the smells from buttery popcorn to funnel cakes and her personal favorite cotton candy. She could hear the sounds of metal clanging and bang on the tracks from jostling around on curves. Her body responds with Mike's jarring movements as he took a sudden left. He zooms down the sidewalk and takes another hard turn.
She didn't realize that Henry and Victor were no longer following behind with her eyes closed to enjoy the rush. Mike had lost them a few blocks back. It didn't stop him from putting a significant amount of distance between her and Mike. He makes more jarring turns, zipping in and out of obstacles that came in his path. It was exhilarating. Never has Ruth felt such a rush. Ruth felt human. She wasn't anyone's punching bag or the dreaded name Ruth has grown to adopt. No, Ruth felt like she was soaring through the clouds. No bungee jump can accomplish such a feeling. Ruth felt free.
Unfortunately, her soaring high had to come to a disappointing end. A jolt from Mike's bicycle stopping pulled her out of it. She blinks, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings. There was no blue sky or fluffy white clouds. They are on a side street filled with wooden crates, a dumpster, and the back of a butcher shop. Ruth wished Mike hadn't stopped. She got the taste of freedom for once. A hard lump sat in her throat, saddened that she is back to her harsh reality.
"Phew, that was a close one." Mike's voice rang in her ears.
Ruth remained to sit in the basket dejectedly. Ruth shudders; the thought of being alone with Mike became unnerving now. She has instruction from her oh so wonderful mother.
"Don't allow anyone near you."
It's an order Ruth has to reluctantly live by. Of course, there have been occasions Ruth ignored it. Approaching Bill about his sweet brother was one instance. Another was wanting to talk with Stanley. Ruth is going to disregard the warning again.
"Yeah, yeah, it certainly was," admits Ruth.
"What were you thinking anyway crossing the road without looking? You could have gotten yourself killed, girly." Says Mike, watching Ruth for a moment.
He took in her adorable feminine features, entranced by her beauty. Her wavy beach hair is a windblown mess but played nicely against her fair and creamy skin. Mike noticed the faint freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her hazel eyes appeared gold today as Ruth wore a mauve top and high-waist jeans. Mike then saw the scars. Most of them are old, while a few are fresh. He looks past the self-inflicted ones. He realized then something off about Ruth. She seemed lifeless. Is Mike going to shy away from her because of his findings? No. Mike is unnerved by those scars.
How did she get those? Mike questions to himself.
"Getting away from Bowers was the only thing on my mind at the time." Ruth suddenly answers, drawing Mike out of his head.
He blinks, noticing Ruth struggling to get out of the basket.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Here, let me help you."
Mike doesn't hesitate in scooping her into his arms and lifts her out. He handles Ruth with such ease that it took her by surprise. Mike noted that Ruth is alarmingly light. He can feel some bone, and it is not because of her small frame. Mike gulps, worried now for the girl. He gently sets Ruth down, avoiding eye contact. Mike sees Ruth turn away, hiding the flush of pink on her cheeks, and presses her lips.
"Um, uh, thank you. Mike, was it?" She inquired and made a small glance at him.
He perks and regards Ruth with a big grin. "Mike Hanlon, or The Home School Kid to some."
Ruth shyly smirks. "I'm Ruth or The Bastard Kid to most."
"Um, I'm a little out of the loop here. Why would people call you that?" Mike asks, confused.
"Because of my mother's bad choices, that's why." Ruth instantly answers.
He blew raspberries. "Well, that's just stupid. Calling you that because someone else's life choices are in poor taste. Screw them then."
Ruth smiles. "Yeah, I know. I'm getting used to it, though."
"You shouldn't. From now on, you are just Ruth. If anyone says different, I'll punch them. Or throw meat into their face." He grins.
Ruth's smile widens, chuckling only slightly.
"Thanks, Mike. And, thank you for earlier."
"Hey, no problem. I'm more than willing to save a damsel in distress." Mike responds, grinning still.
He turns away to rummage through the basket for her books.
"Although damsels usually don't punch. Nice right hook, by the way. I saw what was going on from afar. If I were a lot closer, I would have been able to jump in and help. Thankfully that tall stranger did just that."
"I wish I would have gotten a good look at them, too. I could have at least thanked the guy in person instead of yelling it out to him. You getting involved in that skirmish would have gotten you hurt, Mike."
"Possibly, but I still would have been able to help. No one should ignore a pretty girl like yourself. Uh, I mean," Mike stumbled.
Ruth tilts her head slightly, smirking at him.
"Did you just say I'm pretty?" She inquires, unknowingly rolling a shoulder.
He stutters, unable to answer. Instead, Mike clears his throat and redirects the conversation elsewhere.
"This is a lot of books you have here. What are you going to do, hole yourself up, and read all summer?"
She smirks still. "Yeah, something like that. It will keep me busy anyway."
"Good picks, too. I guess you're learning a new language and into Classic American Literature. To Kill a Mockingbird, One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and The Grapes of Wrath. I see you have this year's summer read, Of Mice and Men. I would have to go to the library at some point and read it myself."
Ruth's brows knit, leaning to peer into the basket. "There should be another one."
Mike looked but found none, only the ones in his hand. "No, it's just these four. Why? Was there supposed to be another?"
It dawned on her then. "Oh, shit and Shinola!"
Mike laughs, amused. "Oh, shit and Shinola? Never heard that one before."
Ruth groans, dismayed. "Dammit, it must have dropped when I first ran from the dinguses. Fuck, Mrs. Starret is going to kill me."
"Don't worry, Ruth. I'm sure one of the dinguses has it." Mike reassures, grinning.
In the back of his mind, he's confident the book is lying where Ruth dropped it. He will go back and see if it's there afterward.
"Yeah, that's highly unlikely. I avoid Henry Bowers and his goons for a reason. Well, mostly Henry and Victor. Reggie is cool, though. He treats me like a sister sometimes, which is kind of nice. Best case scenario, it's laying where it dropped. I just have to go back and check." Ruth replies.
"Alone?"
"I'll be fine, Mike. Thanks for what you did earlier." Ruth lightly smiles.
Mike returns the gesture. "You're welcome, Ruth."
Neither Ruth nor Mike speak for a minute, leaving the two teenagers in awkward silence. It is disturbed when Mike clears his throat.
"So, um, I guess I'll see you around?" Mike asks, staring at Ruth, hopefully.
Ruth gently smiles. "Yeah, maybe."
She immediately turns only to stop. A thought crossed her mind as Ruth stared at the cover Of Mice and Men. Her fingers brushing it lightly.
"Hey, Mike," Ruth calls.
Mike had started to enter the back of the butcher shop, turning to Ruth. "Yes?"
Ruth hesitated at first but eventually approached the boy.
She opens her mouth, only to close it. She pondered on how to articulate her words when they are apparent in her head. After a second, Ruth speaks.
"Do you want to borrow the book from me?"
Mike pauses, baffled. "Can you do that?"
"Probably not, but I think I can trust you enough to keep the book safe until you're finished. I've read it plenty of times to know what happens. Other than Donovan's Brain, this one is my most favorite."
Ruth holds it out to him. She stood patiently, waiting for him to decline her offer. Ruth expected him to anyway. It's hardwired into her brain that rejection is routine in her daily waking life.
Mike stares before shyly grins, and gingerly took the book from her.
"Thank you, Ruth. That's very kind of you to offer. Since it is your favorite, I will be extra careful with it. I guess I will see you around after all."
Ruth grins and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. "I guess so. It was nice to meet you, Mike."
She then turns away, ignoring the stinging on her elbows. Mike noticed the injury.
"Do you need help with that? The scrapes on your arms?"
"Oh no, I got it. Thanks, though." Ruth replies quickly, glancing at him.
"You sure?"
"Positive. I'm practically a registered nurse." Ruth flinches.
She shouldn't have said that. Revealing anything to Mike about home life is much too soon.
"What does that supposed to mean?" He asks, disturbed.
"Nothing!" Ruth squeaks, quickly turning away.
Mike noticed her behavior change, growing alarmed. Instead of pressing further, he calls out to her.
"It was nice meeting you, too, Ruth. I'll see you around." Mike trailed off.
Ruth already disappeared. Mike is left wondering why Ruth seemed haunted by what she had said. He's not going to ignore the sense of dread settling in his bones. Something about her seemed off, and god forbid, Mike Hanlon wants to help her.