A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
It's a double update today! :)
I'm introducing another OC character into the storyline, something I was tossing around in the beginning, of course. Their name won't be revealed, though, until later. There is a reason for it.
This was originally going to be one whole chapter, but I made it into two parts. There are some scene changes, alternate scenes, and new material.
Anway enjoy the read!
It's been well over a week now, maybe even longer since Pennywise met the irritating child, Ruth. Freckles, he would occasionally call her, which Ruth doesn't seem to mind since she likes nicknames, to begin with. She refers to him as Pen or Penny most of the time but never his full name. He's okay with it, to a degree. So, they are getting a little chummy with one another, even though it is kind of strange.
Things have shifted slightly since the night he discovered the extent of Ruth's abuse. Typically, Pennywise preys on the weak-minded children. It doesn't matter what they are going through. He hunts for them. They're easy to frighten. Their fear is like adding salt to the meat. However, it's challenging to add that spice when a child is devoid of that primal instinct. Ruth lost it for whatever reason, or her fear lies somewhere else. He knows it has something to do with her home, and it's the parents. Pennywise doesn't necessarily like it, especially when he can't fool her by taking on their forms.
Since their meet, Pennywise had a change in heart, sort of. Ruth is the cause. Her dependency on a companion baffled him, but he understood. The irritating child is on a dark downward spiral. Her world is crashing down around her, and no one is there to pick up the pieces. The only person that gives her that sense of hope is that Hanlon boy.
She went to the Hanlon's the other day and spoke with Mike about her involvement with Bowers in detail. She gave him a rough summary of her relationship with them and wants Mike to better understand the status. Ruth even clarified the rumor this Betty Ripsom spread about Ruth being Henry's girlfriend. Complete hogwash, which Pennywise had to chuckle at. The boy reluctantly accepted Ruth's relationship with Henry and the gang. Mike said if they are keeping an eye on her despite the tension, he is okay with it. If Henry did anything stupid, Mike would gladly smack the Mullet Head with a fresh sheep stomach. Mike also offered to let Ruth stay at his place for the day to have a tour. She was quick to decline. Not that Ruth didn't want to be there, she had other plans.
Yeah, go back to the Neibolt House. That is where Ruth stays most of the time anyway, until a certain point, then come back late in the evening. Ruth loves being there since Pennywise designated his home her safe place.
Ruth and Mike met up a few times during the week. Most of the time, from what he understands that Ruth only wants to talk in secret. The irritant is nervous in being seen by the eyes of Derry. Pennywise understands. He just wished the Hanlon boy did. He may not know who all the henchmen are, but Pennywise does know that Officer Bowers is one of them, along with a handful or so of others on the force. He has made a habit of keeping a close eye on Ruth whenever she went to meet Mike. Why? Pennywise doesn't know. Maybe a part of him is feeling a little protective of the girl.
While on his watches, Pennywise discovered that the two make a cute pair. Not like he cares any. Mike makes her smile, sort of. Pennywise can tell the girl is forcing herself to appear cheery around the boy. At least, from what Pennywise can see. Ruth did say to him on several occasions that she is questioning about trusting the kid. She and Pennywise know he has good intentions. Mike's objectives to help Ruth are pure, except he makes questionable decisions. Mike returning Ruth's library book at her home ultimately got her in a hairy predicament. Pennywise saw the ending results.
Henceforth, Ruth is taking her time with Mike.
Pennywise actually wished Ruth chose someone else to speak with. He has this sickening feeling the boy will cause her more trouble than she needs. In his opinion, Ruth needs someone who can empathize with her and understand what she is going through. You know, someone who has been in that position before and can actually help.
Despite her budding relationship with the Hanlon boy, another is blooming. Her and the Jewish boy, Stanley Uris, have run into each other a few times. He may be a stuttering mess whenever they meet unexpectedly, but Stanley is getting there. The kid is taking a stand and defending Ruth. Plus, he makes her smile. Pennywise can tell Ruth is not forcing herself as much. The boy even has a way of making Ruth blush. Stanley is kind and infatuated with the girl. They would make an adorable pair as well. Frankly, Pennywise shouldn't care who Freckles is paired with.
Honestly, Pennywise should consider his. He may not see the child as a companion yet, but something is growing between them. They've had a few light and tender moments. There were also instances when Pennywise directed Ruth's attention elsewhere and gave her company. Ruth has taken a shine to him as she admires his craft in scaring people. Her insistence on getting involved by frightening Eddie is evidence enough. Ruth likes asking him what he had transformed into. He always answers in complete detail, too. His scares provide Ruth inspiration for her next masterpiece, and he is the only one she shares it with. Pennywise never ceased to be amazed at her extraordinary talent. Although Pennywise is surprised, Ruth never asks him what happens after his scares. It's for the best, honestly. Ruth doesn't need to know the truth.
Despite the little improvements, Ruth asks him something that pangs his ancient heart almost every day.
"Why won't you kill me?" or the dreaded "Kill me, please," always stung.
The first time Ruth asked, Pennywise was confused yet saddened by it. He knows why she is asking him. Homelife is getting worse by the day. Ruth is having a hard time sneaking out at night now because of it. Something is bothering Pennywise about the whole thing. The constant abuse from her parents, along with the near-sexual assaults, is killing Ruth on the inside. The only thing he can do for Ruth at this point is to distract her. If he could kill the poisonous parents, he would. Pennywise would much rather have them sink to their own demise, though. The only way he would do anything is if he saw them laying harm on Ruth. Pennywise wouldn't even know how to react if it were to happen. He hopes it doesn't.
The second time Ruth asked startled him.
Pennywise had discovered Ruth on the couch asleep one day. He thought about scaring her awake until he noticed she was working on another masterpiece. He was careful to take the pad out from underneath her to admire Ruth's work. He has thumbed through her sketchbook many times and is still absolutely mesmerized by Ruth's stunning talent. Pennywise doesn't smile, but he did. He found the one Ruth was drawing that one day. She had finished it, and Pennywise loves her high-quality art. He imagines Ruth becoming a famous artist in the future.
As he sat by the couch admiring, Ruth whispered to him. "Why won't you kill me, Pen?"
The question startled him, yet Pennywise didn't know the answer. Pennywise felt that unforgiving pang in his heart again. He unhappily groaned then, leaving Ruth. Her question gone answered.
Why do you want to die? Pennywise has asked himself every time.
There were a few other instances when Ruth ran into the adults, and they did things to her. Whenever Pennywise saw the fresh bruises and thick tears streaming from her eyes, a different pang surfaced. He felt angered yet saddened. Pennywise can't figure where these emotions lie. Having Ruth around caused the evil being to experience emotions he never thought possible. To think, Ruth's request for him to kill her hurts. Pennywise doesn't understand why he feels disconcerted by that question. Does Pennywise already care for the girl? No, he can't be. Of course, Pennywise never could follow through with her request. There were a couple of times he threatened her very existence from Ruth irritating him. She always challenged him. Except, Pennywise wouldn't fall through with his empty promise.
They've become close, sort of.
After getting permission from Jordan and Jonathan, Ruth went off to the Fourth of July Fair. So, Pennywise gets a decent break from the human girl. Ruth told him where she was going and kindly asked if he didn't follow. Pennywise found it odd that she didn't want him there, but he couldn't verbally express his concern. Despite wanting her to be safe, Pennywise does, in a way, hope the girl enjoys herself. Ruth deserves a break for once.
Ruth stood off in the shadows, glancing every which way for Mike. Ruth smiles upon seeing him in the crowd only to fall once Bill, Ben, Beverly, Richie, and Eddie came into view.
Her features harden, frowned, and shrunk further in the shadows.
"Seriously?"
Pennywise, who unfortunately followed her anyway, watched Ruth with a frown of his own. He came just to keep an eye on her until Mike showed. However, the bonehead showed up with some company instead, making it apparent Mike forgot about his date with Ruth. Pennywise may not be a fan of the Hanlon boy, but he's not going to allow him to ignore Ruth. Pennywise prepares himself to take action but stops when he noticed someone else approaching her. He sits and waits quietly, watching.
Hmm, this will be interesting.
"Hey, Ruth," a male voice calls as they approached her.
"Oh, hi, Stanley," Ruth grins widely.
"Hi, how have you been?" Stan inquires.
He's getting better at talking. Good show, young lad. Wait, why do I even care? Argh! What the hell is the matter with me? Pennywise questions himself.
His squirrel form scurries down the tree where Ruth stood to listen in closer. He wants to make sure the boy doesn't say anything to hurt Ruth further.
"I've been doing okay. It could be better. What about you?"
"Eh, fine. It could be better," Stan replies with a slight shrug and a relaxed smile.
"I guess we're in the same boat if we wish things were better. How come your not with your friends?"
Stan regards her with a slight frown. "I told them to go on ahead. I noticed you were standing off in the shadows like Batman. Why are you?"
Ruth frowns herself. "I would like to go in and find inspiration for my next drawing," she starts, motioning to her sketchbook. "Unfortunately, I don't have enough change to pay my way in."
"I can," Stan says instantly.
"It's kind of you, but I couldn't. Besides, I'm_."
"Ruth, hey!" Mike calls with an enthusiastic wave.
Oh boy, here we go, Pennywise thought as he watched from a nearby tree branch.
"Hey, Mike," Ruth answers, smiling.
"Do you two know each other?" Stan asked as he looked from Ruth to Mike.
"Yeah, we met a week ago. It was the same day you patched up my arms."
"Oh, okay. I remember you saying something to Mr. Keene that you nearly got killed. You didn't go into details about how, though. What exactly happened?"
"When I tripped and fell in the road to escape Bowers, I was nearly hit by a truck. Mike was there to pull me out of the way. It would have been one horrible way to die, that's for sure."
"Yeah, no kidding. I'm glad you are alright. Thanks for saving Ruth, Mike."
"Yeah," Mike drones with uncertainty.
He watched Ruth and Stan for a moment, confusion contorting his features.
"Are you two related or something?" Mike inquires, pointing at them.
Ruth and Stan glance at each other. Yeah, they look similar in appearance: natural strawberry blonde that looks gingerish to light-brown hair, freckles, and fair-skinned. They could pass off as siblings.
"We may look alike in certain aspects, but we're not related. We could if the occasion calls for it." Ruth answers.
"But we're not going to," Stan replies quickly. He feels uncomfortable and a little threatened now that Mike is watching them strangely.
The three of them fell silent, an awkward tension starting to build.
Urgh, love triangles are complete nonsense. Irritating brats, Pennywise thought then turned to leave Ruth alone.
He only wanted to watch out for her at a certain point. Now that Ruth is with the blockhead and her crush, Pennywise will trust them to keep her safe. He glances at her, frowning from the thought of leaving Ruth when there is a possibility of henchmen seeing her. Except, Ruth requested him to not follow her here. Pennywise will abide by her wishes and let Ruth have time with others. For all he knew, something good may come out of this meet. At least, he hopes.
Take care, Freckles, Pennywise says to himself, then jumped down from the tree and left.
"So, uh Ruth, I got you a ticket as I was coming in," Mike starts and hands Ruth her stub, which she takes. "Sorry I was running a little late. I ran into Henry Bowers while I on my way here."
Ruth's features soften, sighing heavily. "I swear, he's a sadistic prick. Glad to see you are okay."
Stan stiffens. "Uh, I ran into him, too. Well, all of us, really. I got a freaking rock to the head."
Ruth stares, blinking. "What the hell were you doing that you got a rock to the head?"
He opens his mouth to answer when Mike interjects. "Got into a rock war with Bowers. Stan and his buds came to my rescue."
She continues to stare, starting to feel nervous, uncomfortable, and hurt.
"Oh, I see. I think I better go alone. I don't want to impose on you and your new friends, Mike."
Mike regards her with a frown and brows knit close. "You wouldn't be imposing, Ruth. Come join us."
Stan's eyes widen, about to argue.
Ruth quickly steps back, shaking her head in protest.
"No! It's not a good idea, Mike."
"I would have to agree with Ruth here. Quite a few of them don't get along with her, Richie, especially." Stan defends.
"Yeah, so. I'm not going to have Ruth go alone." Mike insists.
"It's nice of you to invite me, but I really shouldn't," Ruth argues, stepping back further.
"Come on now, what could go wrong?" Mike fought then grabbed Ruth's hand, guiding her away.
Stan watched them in disbelief. He saw Ruth glance over her shoulder at him, pleading for help.
"Oh, I got a bad feeling about this." Stan mumbles, reluctantly following.
Nearby, a tall shadow watched the three teenagers slip through the crowd. They, too, enter with a purpose in mind.
Mike guided Ruth through the crowd, determination evident in his gaze. Poor Ruth reluctantly followed. She half dragged and slumped with a deep frown. Ruth glances over her shoulder again at Stan. She lost sight of him but can hear him. He got caught in a hurdle of slow-moving people. Stan sounds frantic to get through.
"Um, let me through, please!" She heard him shout.
Damnit, I don't like this. Pen, some assistance, please! Ruth begged.
"This is a terrible idea, Mike. Can you and I hang out without them, please?" Ruth begs.
Mike turns to her, alarmed. "Why are you so nervous?"
"Do you not remember me telling you we have to be careful? Your grandfather even told you to be patient with me. Stop being so headstrong in fixing things so quickly."
He frowns, sighing heavily. Mike knows she right. He's trying his best to help Ruth and being patient with her. The thought of Richie and the others mistreating Ruth angered him. He wanted to try and put an end to it by having Ruth confront them.
Mike softened his gaze, flashing her an apologetic smirk. "I'm sorry, Ruth. I need to start considering things more slowly than brashly. If you would like to hang out with just me, then we can do that."
Ruth smiles gently, removing her gaze. "Thanks, Mike."
He smiles as well. "You're welcome. Do you_?"
Mike is interrupted by a voice.
"Yo! Mike, over here, man!" Richie's voice sounds over the crowd and waving.
Mike groans, his head leaning back. "Shit."
"Come on, man! Move your keister!"
He sighs heavily, glancing over at Ruth. "Do you want me to ignore them?"
She frowns, glancing over at Richie, who doesn't see her yet. With a sigh, Ruth caves. "No."
Mike stares, uncertain. "Are you sure you want to face them?"
"No, not really, but I don't want to disappoint your newly acquired friends."
"Hey, you are my friend, too, you know."
Her breath catches in her throat. Mike considers me a friend when I haven't yet?
Mike sighs again, lightly urging Ruth to the spot where the others waited. "Don't worry, girly. I got your back."
Ruth wants to feel reassured, but she's finding it hard to relax.
They both weaved their way through the crowd. It didn't take them long to reach the circle. When they came into their view, their solemn features changed. Richie scowled deeply at Ruth approaching while Eddie glanced from Ruth to the ground. She's wearing the lime green blouse today, so he's going to be a little fidgety. Beverly glared and frowned at Ruth. Bill timidly smiled at her while Ben smirked knowingly. He scans his eyes from Ruth to Mike and their joined hands.
"NO, no! You go away!" Richie bellows harshly.
"What the hell are you doing in bringing her over here?" Beverly questioned.
She glares at Ruth, who looked like a frightened puppy at Mike's side.
"This is my friend I wanted you to meet," Mike answered, glaring equally at the redhead.
"Friend? What are you nuts? You can't be friends with her." Richie barked.
"We met Mike not too long ago, Rich. I'm sure we're not entirely friends to him either. Hi, Ruth." Eddie acknowledged with a faint smirk and wave, reddening in the cheeks.
Ruth eyes him strangely but mirrored his smile. "Hi, Eddie."
"See, what was there to be nervous about?" Mike inquired softly then motioned for her to sit.
"She shouldn't be here," Richie repeats sternly.
"Come on, Rich. Let her stay." Ben coaxed with a smile. "Hey, Ruth."
"Hey, Ben."
"What do you got there?" He asked, motioning to her sketchbook.
"My sketchbook. I was hoping to find some inspiration while I was here."
"You draw? Mind if I take a look?"
"Not all."
She is quick to hand him the book, suppressing a timid frown.
"It's probably all childish doodles and other random shit." Richie criticized with a sneer.
Ruth mirrors his expression.
"Uh, you might want to take that back, Rich. These are actually quite impressive." Ben gawks with wide eyes and mouth hung open.
"Hey, let me see." Eddie stood from his spot to take a look.
He flinched backward, eyes widen, then snaps his gaze on Ruth.
"Holy shit, Ruth, this is remarkable," Eddie marveled.
Bill, at that point, wanted to see. He peers over Ben's shoulder, and stares for a long moment, then glances up at Ruth, grinning widely.
"It's a masterpiece," he grinned without stuttering.
Ruth felt an intense sense of pride as Bill, Ben, and Eddie gawked over her drawings. She never thought showing her artwork to others would give her a boost of confidence. Ruth doesn't care if Richie and Beverly show no interest. All that matters is for some of them to appreciate her talent. She knows Pennywise does. Ruth now wonders if he is around here somewhere.
She gazed around to look for him in some sort of form. Ruth eventually caught sight of someone who seemed relatively new to the area since Ruth has never seen him before. However, she didn't feel the cold prickle run up her spine, so it can't be Pennywise. Whoever they are, the male is tall and rather handsome with a sultry, boyish charm. He sat several tables over, is lounged with his back pressed against the table, and long jean-clad legs stretched in front of him. She watched him draw a cigarette to his thick lips and lit it with a silver box lighter. His biceps flexed, causing the sleeves to his relaxed button-down white shirt to tighten. Ruth stared at him, expressionless while a ribbon of smoke streamed from his lips.
What a minute? Do I know him from somewhere? Ruth questioned herself.
Whoever this strapping guy is, he must have felt eyes on him because he looks over in Ruth's direction. They lock gazes from a fair distance where the stranger then flashed Ruth a bright smile, along with a wink.
Oh, holy sweet Jesus! Is that my stalker? Holy crap on a cracker, he's flipping cute! Maybe that's why he didn't want me to see him about a week ago. I would be a stuttering mess once I saw him. Oh, god, how does my hair look? Ruth inwardly frets and frantically started combing through her hair.
The handsome stalker chuckled and gave her an okay gesture. Apparently, the guy read her mind about Ruth's hair or noticed her panicked expression because of it.
"Damn, Ruth, these are really good."
Ben's voice disturbs her, which she ended up breaking eye contact with the stranger.
"I can draw but nothing like this. You have some real talent here." Ben compliments as he, Eddie, and Bill continued browsing through.
"Thank you, Ben. That means a lot. Excuse me for one moment. I'll be right back."
Ruth quickly stood from which she sat and strutted over to her handsome stalker.
From behind her, she heard Eddie ask everyone else. "Hey, where is she going?"
"I don't know," Ben answered, then looked over his shoulder to watch her.
"Ruth?" Mike called for her.
"I'll be a minute, Mikey," Ruth responded quickly and with a little pep in her step.
"Um, is it just me, or does she seem a little different to you?" Eddie questions.
"It's not just you. I wonder who Mr. Tall and Handsome is?" Richie wondered while watching Ruth approach the stranger.
They all converse while watching Ruth approach the stranger, curious, and astonished at what they're seeing.
However, Mike seems apprehensive about Ruth's boldness in approaching someone she doesn't know, especially when she has a stalker in the mix. He vaguely remembers their conversation after Ruth's first meet with the guy. Mike knows they spoke briefly but didn't have a real conversation. He's beginning to wonder if the guy Ruth is going to see is him.
If it is and he tries anything, I'll slug him one, Mike thought.
Once Ruth came to the stalker's side, she stood close enough to smell his masculine yet pleasant cologne that suited him well. His dark blonde hair looked soft, which her fingers itched to run through it to know for sure but refrained herself. Ruth coughed to clear her throat, straightened her back, and tucked her hands in the back of jean pockets.
"Can you be a little more obvious that you're stalking me still?" Ruth questioned with an unusual smile.
The stalker glances up at her and stares. She noticed something in his gaze shift as if a memory filtered his vision. Or maybe he is looking at her for the first time and is caught in a state that he couldn't entirely function. She knows her lime green blouse enhances the copper in her natural strawberry blonde hair and brings out the gold flecks in her eyes. So, maybe her beauty caught him by surprise. Not that Ruth is prideful or vain about her looks. It's something she knows about herself. Besides, he is gazing at her with his mouth slightly gaping open and eyes searching hers. The stalker wets his lips, cleared his throat, then diverted his gaze.
"Can you be a little more annoying?" He returned, avoiding eye contact now.
"You're an ass."
"I know. We established that already."
"And you shouldn't be smoking either," Ruth snatched his lit cigarette from his lips.
"Hey!"
Ruth sets herself next to him, mirrors his relaxed, lounged position, and took a puff of his cigarette.
"I thought you said you don't smoke."
"I don't. I just wanted to know what it tastes like. I've always wanted to try."
"If I remember correctly, you said it's not good for your lungs."
"It is. Hmm, it's not bad, actually. It has a nice and smooth flavor."
"Well, don't get used to it, princess. You're too young and pretty to start smoking anyway."
Ruth smirks at him from his casual flattery.
Damn, he's good-looking, Ruth thought to herself.
"How old do you think I am?"
"Still two years too young to smoke, sweetheart," the stalker argues with a smirk.
Ruth chortles and lightly touches his arm.
"You think I'm sixteen, sweetheart?"
"Of course, you are, and don't call me that."
"I'm thirteen going on eighteen, for your information."
The stalker guffaws amusingly from the seriousness in her tone.
"I didn't think you would be quick-witted, kid."
"Yeah, haha, very funny. And didn't I ask you to stop calling me kid? I know you heard my name and should know it by now."
"Alright, fine. Give it back, Ruth."
He attempted to snatch the cigarette from her fingers, but Ruth held it out of his reach.
"Nah uh, I think I'll hold on to it," she replies with a smug grin.
He rolls his eyes and groans half-heartedly. "Jeez, you're annoying."
"We established that already. Are you going to tell me your name now that I know what you look like?"
Ruth takes another inhale and blew a delicate wisp of smoke from her thin lips.
The stalker eyed the dancing mist before acknowledging Ruth again with a shake of his head.
"Sorry, still can't answer that."
Ruth studied him from the corner of her eye, noting small details in his face. She saw scowl lines at the corners of his eyes, lips, and forehead. There is a reserved coldness and sadness reflecting in his emerald irises', causing Ruth to wonder who would hurt his heart so deeply.
Wow, he has beautiful eyes. I wonder why he seems so sad, though, Ruth thought to herself.
"Still won't answer anything personal, huh?"
"Nope."
"Okay, then. How about we just talk? No personal questions and no philandering."
"Philandering? Now, that's quite the vocabulary for a thirteen going on eighteen-year-old girl, such as yourself, Ruth."
"What can I say? I love to read and learn new words. So, do we have a bargain?"
The stranger watches her from the corner of his eye, catching the flirtatious smirk and wink Ruth flashed his way.
"Alright, deal. So, what do you want to talk about? Books, movies, a deep, meaningful conversation about life?"
"Good topics to choose from, but I first want to know if you are enjoying your stay here in Derry so far?"
The stalker visibly relaxed with a soft smile on his lips and a gentle sigh. He opened his mouth to respond and have a real conversation for once but is talked over by a female.
"Hiya, sugar."
He and Ruth glance up to see a relatively attractive young woman with long dark hair, wearing more make-up than she needs, a vintage candy cane dress, and hip jutted out. Her fire-engine red lips sneered at Ruth then grinned seductively at Ruth's company.
"Don't waste your time on the shrimp trying to be Little Miss Cool if I were you, cutie. She's rotten meat. Come hang out with me. My girls would love to have you over, as well. We can show you a good time."
The stalker grimaced at first before opening his mouth to give the woman a piece of his mind when Ruth beat him to it.
"I highly doubt he is interested in having any sort of sexual pleasantries with some floozy such as yourself, Angela. And who are you trying to fool with that knicker and sock-stuffed bra of yours anyway? Everyone in Derry knows you have mosquito bite tits that will make a Ken doll or even Barbie's sister Skipper look better than you."
The handsome stalker couldn't help himself but burst with laughter. Ruth grins wildly from his pleasant, masculine mirth.
He has a great laugh, too, Ruth thought to herself.
The woman glared at the stalker then fumed at Ruth.
"Don't get snarky with me, Unwanted Child," she croons with a smug grin.
Ruth just scuffs, unaffected by the name now.
"Ouch, that really hurt you, brazen hussy."
Angela audibly gaped with a hand touching her chest.
"I have never," she started only to get talked over.
"Did you not steal one of your girlfriend's boyfriend at one point, slut? And what about all the other poor saps you laid with and gave them crabs? Oh, and what about the time you tried to get in my father's pants only to get the tar beaten out of you by my mother, Jordan? So, tell me, Angie, how you not a hussy?" Ruth questioned with an odd ring in her voice.
Angela, or Angie to some, gapped at Ruth as she noticed the strange tone in Ruth's voice, even the grin Ruth had that it caught her off guard. Angela wanted to make a comeback but couldn't come up with anything. Instead, she stomped her foot like a defeated child, then marched back to her friends, who watched the scene unfold.
The stalker whistled at the outcome then glanced at Ruth.
"Wow, now that was fun to watch," the stalker mused with a chuckle.
Ruth beams toothily that her eyes brightened.
"I'm glad to be a source of entertainment for you."
"Hey, I haven't had a decent laugh like that in a while. I really needed it, too, Ruth. I'm sure with that insulting sobriquet to your name, of which I abhor with a passion, you tell people off like that a lot, don't you?"
Ruth grins at him from his choice in vocabulary as it is something she finds quite attractive in the opposite sex. She can only assume he is intelligent.
"Nope, not really. Normally I just let them walk all over me and take their insults. It brings me down most of the time, too. I never really stood up for myself until now, that is. I guess I just needed someone like you to bring out the best in me."
Ruth felt the stalker stiffen slightly beside her from the comment, making it obvious he hasn't received any sort of praise or recognition in a while. She stood from the bench with a hand on his shoulder, touching him tenderly and comfortingly. Ruth glanced down at him and flashed him a friendly smile with a wink.
"I hate to say it, but I need to get going. It was nice talking to you even though we really didn't get to."
"Yeah, yeah, it was. It's nice talking to somebody for a change," the stalker replies with a gentle smile.
"And it's nice to meet you in person finally, even though I don't know your name still. At least I know you are a good-looking guy with a beautiful smile and a great laugh."
The handsome stalker visibly flinched from her bluntness and the compliment, well Ruth's flirtatious attitude. He fumbled around for his lighter and shifts his gaze elsewhere to keep the audacious girl from seeing the growing blush and bashful smirk.
"I'll see you around, Stalker, and thanks for the cigarette."
He opened his mouth to argue and make a grab for her but refrained himself. Instead, he grabbed a new cigarette from his shirt pocket and watched Ruth head back to the bunch of teenagers. His dazzling emeralds roamed her body, memorizing every detail about her from Ruth's hair to the clothes on her back. Ruth may be petite, but she is growing relatively fast as she is starting to gain emphasis in the waist with hips getting fuller and gaining height. The stalker then noticed the slowly healing bruise on her arm, causing him to sadly frown.
He shifts his gaze to concentrate on lighting his cigarette, wishing he can do a whole lot more for Ruth instead of just following her around. It's his mission anyway. If he doesn't keep an eye on Ruth, the stalker fears something horrible will become of her, and he doesn't want that.
He just hopes his instincts are telling him wrong.