A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe out there.
Double update today!
There are a few small changes in this chapter, but not a whole lot, as the majority of the scene is how I envisioned it in the first place. Going forward, though, there will be some significant changes.
Anyway, enjoy the read! :)
It's dark and much too quiet in the house for Ruth's liking. She enjoys it to a degree but not when it is thick and uneasy. After surviving Jonathan's wrath, Ruth hid in her room and cried. She wept for an hour straight. Her eyes are red and swollen, her fingers ached from grasping her pillow, and her throat is scratchy from wailing.
She is thankful Jonathan didn't come in here and inquire about the gift he got her. When Ruth finally calmed down, she decided to look at the tiny box left on her bed. There was even a note saying, "Saw your final report card. Excellent job. Here's a little reward for you." Suspicious still of it being something offensive, Ruth took extreme caution in opening the jewelry-sized box. It is, in fact, jewelry, which astonished her beyond belief. Jonathan gifted Ruth with a pair of pea-sized faux pearl earrings. Ruth doesn't understand why he would give her something to dress-up her ears when he abuses her but accepted the gift nonetheless. They are pretty anyway. Ruth poked her head out of the bedroom to thank him properly but heard him snoring in the master.
That was about two hours ago.
Ruth could have gone to bed herself but was wide awake and still is. She can't fall asleep. The thought of sleeping somewhere else came to mind but didn't know where. Instead, she wrote in her journal and doodled for a while, hoping that sleep would find her. It never did.
About an hour ago, Jordan returned home and was with some poor schmo from the restaurant. They spoke briefly since Ruth had her bedroom door slightly ajar and with the bed lamp on. Thankfully, Jordan didn't have Ruth return the gifted earrings or brought her down with an insensitive remark. She congratulated Ruth on her excellent grades and will take Ruth somewhere to get her ears pierced. Jordan then proceeded to the master bedroom to wake Jonathan up and made him sleep on the couch to partake in her festivities.
She heard all the sounds her mother made, which Ruth rolled her eyes in displeasure. Ruth is astounded Jonathan tolerates Jordan to openly cheat on him. Does he not care or something? No, of course not. He would much rather take his sexual frustrations out on Ruth. In fact, her parents' behavior is confusing Ruth and is suspicious of them. If they are abusing her, why are Jordan and Jonathan rewarding Ruth with gifts? It can't just be because of good grades. Maybe it's an "If you do good and listen, we'll reward you kindly" sort of thing. Although Ruth thinks they're buttering her up, and wishes she knew what they are up to.
With both of her parents, along with Jordan's bed partner, sawing logs now, Ruth still could not fall asleep. She sighs heavily, scans her eyes to the door, then over to her shoes by the bedside. Ruth sighs as she finally decided to sneak out and find someplace else to sleep for the night.
Ruth swiftly slipped into her shoes, wrapped herself in a lightweight robe, and tip-toed to her bedroom door. She paused when a thought occurred to her. Jonathan might hear her sneaking out. Plus, they lock the door before either of them goes to bed. She can't lockup from outside. Ruth would need the spare key, and Jordan has it. There is a third, but Ruth doesn't remember where it is. Jonathan must have hidden it upfront somewhere and didn't inform her.
"Damnit," Ruth whispered to herself and sagged in defeat.
A figurative lightbulb turned on in her head. She glances over her shoulder at the window with a hum.
Ruth draws near to inspect the window sill. She discovers the screen can be easily removed and replaced. Of course, Ruth must leave the latch unlocked to get back in. Her parents never come into her room anyway, only when she is being punished. So, Ruth will be okay. She is careful in opening the window and removes the screen.
Ruth silently slips out.
Ruth wandered in silence during the late hours of the evening. There are police cars out patrolling the streets, which she ducked out of sight several times. Ruth didn't want to get caught, nor did she want them to take her home.
Ruth thought about a lot of things while she walked the streets. Not once did she encounter other people. She's glad about that. If a crazy saw her, who knows what would happen. Ruth can hold her own. However, when it comes to people a lot stronger than her, she's doomed. Ruth can handle Jonathan. He may be fit, but Jonathan doesn't know much about physical altercations. Why do you think Ruth can escape? He makes mistakes and leaves Ruth openings. The only way for Mr. Statue to put Ruth into submission is by clocking her in the head. He did so once, but Ruth had maneuvered out from underneath him despite seeing black. That was the day Ruth met Pennywise.
Her mouth curved into a bright smile from thinking about the clown. He may be an adult, but Ruth believes Pennywise would be ideal for hearing her out. She doesn't see him in public. Well, Ruth doesn't even know what he looks like without the paint. She probably saw him earlier today, too. Ruth remembered seeing a tall man rushing forward to help her. Of course, he wasn't wearing the vintage clown suit at the time. So, maybe he was in his "out on the town" clothes to run an errand. Ruth concluded Pennywise is not entirely a homeless person. He is staying at Neibolt anyway and probably for good reasons. If he doesn't want to live in a house and be bothered by neighbors, Neibolt is the place to go. Although it is private property and shouldn't be trespassed. Although it seems she and Pennywise don't give a damn. It's a place for them to hide.
Ruth can only hope he won't chase her off. She needs someone to talk with about her situation. Mike is an option, maybe even Stanley, but someone with more emotional intelligence and maturity could help her.
After what happened back at home, Ruth realized she desperately needs it. Her mind went to a dark place and thought about skewering Jonathan. She shudders from the thought. Yes, the swine deserves some form of punishment. Except, Ruth is not a killer. She won't murder him because of all the shit he puts her through despite his almost Jekyll and Hyde personality. Ruth can't even see herself killing Jordan. The only way she will ever kill any of them is if Ruth had to protect herself. Ruth can only hope that doesn't happen.
Ruth walked for nearly half an hour now. She's growing tired, and her feet are getting sore.
Damn, how much longer?
It wasn't long when she got to the corner of her destination, the Neibolt House. Ruth sags in relief, sighing heavily.
"Finally," she says out loud.
Ruth glances around. She didn't know what to expect in this area at night. If there were anyone around, Ruth still wouldn't be able to see them. All she can see is gray outlines against the black. The moon is hidden from the clouds above. She sniffs, no scent of moisture. Ruth takes one more blind look around before darting for the dark mass.
Upon approaching, her fingers brush along the fence, guiding Ruth to the opening. Once she got to the gate, Ruth got the feeling something wasn't exactly right. Of course, with it being ink black, Ruth can't see what is causing her to feel anxious. She shook the feeling away to start up the cracked path for the front porch. Within minutes, her feet slammed into the bottom step.
"Ow! God, son of a bitch. I should have grabbed a flashlight. I can't see shit."
Ruth stoops low, feeling her way up the steps. It took a few moments, but she got to the top. Ruth started forwards when she remembered leaving a package of cracker jacks for Pennywise earlier today. Her feet smoothed on the deck for the box, but couldn't find it. Ruth felt something against her shoe and knocked it over. Curious, she bends to pick the object up. She fumbled in the dark, but Ruth found it. It's small, metal, and had the shape of a dog. Ruth felt a wave of excitement. Pennywise did eat the package of sweet popcorn. He decided to let her have the prize.
Thank you, Penny! I wonder if you enjoyed it, she happily squeals, ecstatic.
Ruth grins brightly as she bounds for the door. She barges inside, her gaze landing on the stairwell. Moving quickly, Ruth stood at the foot of the steps.
"Pennywise!" She calls while grinning still.
Silence.
Ruth pants as she started up the stairs, calling out to him again.
"Penny, are you here?"
You've got to be. I saw you earlier, so where else would you go? She thought to herself.
Ruth is greeted with more silence. She gulps harshly, feeling unwanted.
"Please, Pen. I really need to talk with you," Ruth cries.
She stops on the stairs, searching the shadows of the top landing for him.
"Please, I need your help."
Thud.
Ruth holds her breath. It was from downstairs. She could hear shuffling and more thudding sounds below her. Ruth slowly glances over her shoulder, watching the floorboards. It's much too dark to make out any shadows or decipher what is making the sounds. Ruth gulps then silently descends the stairs. She doesn't want to spook whoever is inside. It could be Pennywise the Clown, but it could also be another intruder. To be sure, Ruth has to investigate.
She remained silent and stepped lightly while scanning the dark in alarm. From her right shoulder, Ruth can see the den. The Victorian couch is a dark mass against the equally dark slate walls. No light came through as 2x4 boards blocked entry. She cautiously stepped into the room with fingers brushing the walls to keep close. The intruder could be along there, waiting. If they were, someone would get one hell of a surprise. Small, frail Ruth can and will fight if necessary.
Ruth eyed the couch from the wall, watching for secondary black shadows. She doesn't see any. The top of her head lightly brushed against the cobweb and leaves decorated chandelier. Ruth doesn't flinch because she knew what it was. She kept her left hand on the wall, her right gliding on the couch. The wood is smooth, and the fabric stiff. With a light press, the padding is firm yet slightly soft.
This will be the perfect spot to sleep, Ruth thought.
Her gaze shifts to the possible dry-rutted boards of which boarded the window. She steps towards the windowpane and grabs one of them. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Ruth analyzed the grain with her fingers. There is little give. Without second-guessing, Ruth pulled the board away. It cleanly comes off with a slight rip. She grabs another and pulls. Ruth took a few more out to create slots. It's enough that will bring in some light but won't be too noticeable for any passersby. Not like anyone comes near here, to begin with.
Ruth stepped back to see a perfect, unobstructed view of the road. She glances sideways from the horizontal slots to see from either side. The dead ivy provided decent cover, as well. No one would be able to see her from outside.
Thud, thud, patter, patter.
Ruth's breath caught in her throat, her brows knitting close.
Uh, what the hell was that? Ruth thought.
She heard more thuds and rapid patter sounds from directly behind her. Something is defiantly in this room. Ruth slowly stooped low, grasping one of the boards.
Thud, thud, patter, patter, patter.
Her breath labors, listening carefully to the approaching patter. Ruth's eyes narrow and bared her teeth as it got closer.
"Don't freak out," she barely whispers to herself.
The cold prickle from earlier returned, but it seemed more like a searing heat. Ruth's breath quickens, her grip on the board tightening.
Don't freak out, Ruth reminds herself a lot slower.
THUD, THUD.
A single soundless huff leaves Ruth's lung, then slowly glances over her narrow shoulder. She didn't react straight away, but her eyes widened to the size of saucers.
Behind her is a giant gray and hairy eight-legged freak of a spider. Ruth reflects on their many gold beady eyes. It stares at her, the pincers twitching. It makes a low screech, moving forwards. A startled scream leaves her lips, balking backward a foot towards the wall. It drew near, inches away from her face. After the initial shock, Ruth glares hardly and shields herself with the board. It collides into the wood, forcing Ruth into the drywall. She crashes with a grunt but is quick to move. Ruth avoids a swinging leg, ducking low and grabs at another board.
She struck the spider, but it continued after her. Its hairy legs swiped at her feet, hoping to knock Ruth down. Ruth recovered. She swung the board in front of her like a sword, striking a limb. The spider screams, inching closer. Ruth attempts to run but finally falls. She grunts upon impact, where she quickly got on her back to crawl away. One long leg lands right by her head, causing her to scream. Ruth rolls away as another crashes by her ear.
"Go away!" Ruth screams, scrambling backward.
She catches sight of the board that fell out of her hand. Ruth reaches for it, only to pull away when a claw came close to impaling her hand. The spider lunges, trapping her from underneath. It hisses, exposing these gnarly piranha-like teeth. She stares at it in fright but is determined to fight the thing off. Her jaw squares, then kicked at the abdomen with a cry. It screeches but refuses to back down. Ruth slid back, kicks at its carapace, and shoves herself against the giant arachnid. She pushes the thing away to escape.
Ruth rushes out from underneath the spider and grabs the thick board. The spider will not give up so easily. It charges after Ruth towards the other side of the room. She swung at a leg, trying to knock it down herself. It refused to fall. Ruth may want an out of her horrid life, but she will not die from a spider that is not real. They don't get this big or have gold eyes. This thing is purely fictional, and Ruth is not afraid of make-believe. She watched it charge at an alarming speed, but Ruth held her ground. Ruth gripped the board and took a wide stance as if she were at a high striker game.
"I am not afraid of you!" Ruth enunciates through clenched teeth.
She rose the board high above her head and slams it down the middle of the giant spider's head with a grunt of a cry. Remember in the cartoons where a character would hit another on the head with a mallet? The person would generally splay his arms and legs. Well, that's what happened when Ruth struck the spider. Its long hairy limbs flared outwards, twitching. Yet an unexpected sound came out of its pincers.
"YEOW!"
Ruth stepped back, startled yet perplexed. How can a giant spider speak? The unrealistically large arachnid slowly transforms before Ruth's eyes. It writhed and unpleasantly groaned. Ruth stepped further away, watching in absolute awe as the writhing creature shrunk. Her eyes widen, and mouth gaped from the sight. She even drops the 2X4 with a loud thunk. The giant spider slowly but surely transitioned from its hairy spindly self into something Ruth is all too familiar with. The spider became the clown Ruth saw earlier, Pennywise. His eyes glowed a menacing gold, shrinking into the shadows with a toothy snarl.
"Irritating child," the clown growled, then disappeared.
Ruth's shallow breathes stalled in realization. Pennywise, the Dancing Clown, is not ordinary. No, Pennywise is something else. Something that Ruth should be afraid of but felt no fear. Ruth eyed the spot of which he disappeared curiously. She waited for the entity to reappear but never did. The silence afterward is thick and eerie. The only thing Ruth can hear is her heart drumming in her ears. An intense moment went by when Ruth's voice disturbs the silence.
"What, what are you?" Ruth inquires in a whisper.
She knows Pennywise is not going to answer. Ruth wouldn't either after getting hit square on the noggin. She kept her eyes on the corner of where Pennywise disappeared, waiting for him to return. He won't, at least not until morning, maybe. Ruth needs to be cautious with him now. She understands now Pennywise is an alien being. Almost like the horrifying creature from The Thing movie.
Phew, MacReady would go nuts over this one, that's for damn sure. Although that was pretty fucking cool, Ruth thought.
Ruth also knows his abilities are astonishing. She, in a way, envies the creature. Pennywise can apparently morph into things that people fear. He did just that with the Goliath Bird-Eater spider. If Pennywise can shapeshift into what she feared long ago, then that would mean he was poking around in her brain last night. He was looking for some ammo. Ruth has to wonder now if he is responsible for the disappearing cookies. If so, did he give those to her as a way to get Ruth to sleep? She wasn't tired at that point. Well, maybe a little but not terribly. If he did leave them for her, then Ruth should be angry at him, right? In a way, she is but not too bad.
On the other hand, Ruth feels delighted. The shapeshifting clown gave Ruth some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies as they were perfectly sweetened and chewy. That is Ruth's ideal cookie anyway. Maybe he dived into her mind to entice her somehow. Well, Pennywise accomplished something. Because now, Ruth wants more of those delicious cookies. If Pennywise did enjoy the cracker jacks, he might want more of it. Ruth is considering buying several boxes for him as an act of kindness. If you are kind to others and treat them how you want to be treated, you will be rewarded the same. Will it be like that with Pennywise? Ruth doesn't know for sure, but it doesn't hurt to try.
Ruth sidetracked to what would happen if she had his abilities. It would be like Ruth's real first Christmas morning. Ruth would be overjoyed. Oh, how much fun she would have. Amber, wait, no, drop that. Ruth Greyson, the shapeshifting teenager, scares the shit out of people who have hurt her. Richie "Gray Water" Tozier will undoubtedly be on the list, even Beverly Marsh. Twitchy Eddie will be exceptionally thrilling to scare. Henry "Mullet Head" Bowers will be even more exciting. If she could dematerialize into the shadows like Batman, the caped crusader, it would get her out of the public eye. You know, disappear. Alas, Ruth doesn't have those types of powers.
"Hmm, I wonder what other inhuman abilities you have." Ruth marveled out loud.
With a sigh, Ruth returns to the den. She needs to sleep somehow but is very much awake. Her running here and fighting off Pennywise, the Gigantic Spider hyped her up. Ruth knows what will happen if she doesn't get the desired amount of sleep. She will figure it out soon, though.
When she approached the den where the couch sat, it was on its side. It must have taken a tumble when Ruth ran from the spider. She heavily sighs then approaches the turned over furniture, setting it right. Once in place, Ruth climbed on the firm foam padding. It's a little uncomfortable. She laid straight, but her legs are hanging off the edge some. Ruth hums to herself, eyeing her ugly hand-me-down shoes. They are slip-on shoes with very little insoles left and are an atrocious yellow-green snot color. Jordan gave them to her since they both have small feet. She got tired of them as they had little comfort for her job. Ruth will wear them as it's something to protect her feet. She has two more pairs that are a bit nicer and are brown. Black is not precisely an attractive color on her. Ruth will just look paler like a vampire.
Ruth heaves a sigh and kicks off the monstrosities. She grew uncomfortable on her back, resulting in easing herself on her left side. A chill rocketed through her body from the summer evening chill. She hugs herself for warmth, settling close to the padded couch. Ruth laid there for a moment wide awake. Sleep seems to not exist in her mind. How can she fall asleep?
She searched her mind for a song or even a nursery rhyme that could lull her to sleep. Ruth had familiarized most of the childish poems and sings them on occasions like this. When nothing came to mind, Ruth glances over at the corner where Pennywise disappeared. She eyes the spot guiltily.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know that was you. Forgive me?"
Ruth watched the corner, sighing. If she had known that Pennywise was the shapeshifter thing, Ruth wouldn't have hurt him so badly. Ruth thought she would be able to talk with him. He seems to keep himself out of the public eye anyway. Well, Pennywise probably needs to since he is a species unknown to man. His abilities are intriguing. Ruth wants to know more about this fascinating creature thing. If she can at least talk with him about what is going on, Ruth would feel a little better. The fact Ruth lost her mind of wanting to kill Jonathan is a sign she needs to share. Ruth wants someone to hear her story and maybe provide comfort. If they do, that's wonderful! If not, it's okay. Ruth doesn't necessarily want support right now.
Ruth wants to reach out to an actual person. If she did, Ruth fears Jordan or Jonathan will find out. Whenever they do find out, which she hopes not, Jordan will kill her. Ruth has this horrible feeling this might be her last summer. If so, she wants to make it count. Maybe Ruth should try talking with Mike or even Stan. They seem to show interest in her.
But who can Ruth trust the most, Mike or Stan?
She sighs heavily, sleeping still far from her mind. Ruth then remembers the ting-a-ling sound from last night as they remind her of soft bells. Like the ones from Pennywise's clown suit. She replays the melodious jingle with a light smile. Ruth picked something fitting to loll her to sleep.
"Gay go up, and gay go down," Ruth started in a fluted tone.
"To ring the bells of London town."
Ting-a-ling, the hypnotic sound replays in her mind.
"Bull's eyes and targets, Say the bells of St. Margret's."
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling
"Brickbats and tiles, Say the bells of St. Giles'."
"Halfpence and farthings, Say the bells of St. Martin's."
Ruth sang the traditional English nursery rhyme in the intended melody, like the change of rings. It's the earlier version and one that Ruth likes more than today's rewrite.
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling
"Oranges and lemons, Say the bells of St. Clement's."
Ting-a-ling, ting-ling
The hypnotic melody quickly made Ruth drowsy. Her eyes fluttered close then fell a very much needed deep sleep with Pennywise still on her mind.