Hello, guys! I just want to note a few changes in this chapter from removing a scene and an alternate scene towards the end.

Enjoy the read and have a safe and Happy Halloween! Now go scare some people and enjoy the candy ;)

Ruth had returned to Neibolt later that night. It's become a habit now anyway. She thought about her stalker quite a bit, curious about who he is and his purpose. She wants to know more about him and not just exchange in small talk or other deep conversations. All the other times, Ruth recalled her breaking things off with Mike. She cried that night, too. It's pretty routine for her.

Most of the time, her source of anguish is from the abuse at her home. Rarely does Ruth cry because some asshat hurt her feelings. That day was different. Ruth cried because she had to break things off with Mike for two reasons. One, because he nearly revealed her secret and was furious that Mike broke his promise. Secondly, and most importantly, Ruth needed to protect him. She does like Mike as he gives her some hope. However, all good things for Ruth are short-lived.

Ruth remembers nursing a small rabbit when she was little. The unfortunate baby got caught in a snare, its hind leg dislocated. She had to hide the frightened animal somewhere so Jonathan wouldn't see him. The rabbit made Ruth smile and was able to keep them alive for a week. She was happy to have the animal as a friend. Except Jonathan discovered the two. The happiness Ruth had felt was gone within a blink when he snatched the healed rabbit and broke its neck. Ruth cried then. She sat out in the yard crying over the lifeless animal Ruth nursed back to health.

The moment the rabbit died, so did Ruth. It was then Ruth wanted to leave the world behind. She was scared of her environment and relentlessly bullied. The abuse only escalated from there. Seven-year-old Ruth desired haven and someone to call her friend. She makes that wish every year. Ruth was so close to calling Mike a friend until he pulled that shit. It was bound to happen anyway since Ruth knew what would happen. Her happiness with Mike would be taken away from her. Jonathan will put a bullet in the boy's head. He won't kill Ruth. No, Jonathan wants his little girl to suffer.

Ruth sighs heavily then curls herself deeper on the couch. It's been two days now since she "broke up" with Mike. Ruth is still very upset about it but is also mad at herself for forgetting her sketchbook. She was so angry and hurt that Ruth had forgotten her prized possession. Not only that, Ruth has yet to discuss with Pennywise about the stalker or what they told her about him. She believes they're wrong about him. Pennywise doesn't seem that all bad around her. He's quite entertaining, really, especially when he tries to scare her. They even have rare light moments.

From behind the couch, she can hear Pennywise doing something. He's grunting and groaning, even snapping his limps. Ruth inwardly scuffs. He has yet to scare her today. Honestly, Ruth is unsure if she wants him to.

"Do you think I did the right thing?" Ruth inquires, her voice soft.

Pennywise hums in acknowledgment. He doesn't answer, though.

She sighs. "Do you think breaking things off with Mike was the right thing to do?"

He groans, "Maybe, yes," Pennywise answered, his voice different for some reason. "You're protecting the bonehead even after he nearly revealed your secret. Why you are is baffling, in my opinion."

Ruth rolls her eyes while smirking. She can hear him crawling up from the floor. "I'm really not in the mood for a scare, Pen."

She heard him stop crawling and felt his eyes on her. Ruth sighs heavily, rolling to glare at him. Her eyes widened to dollars, and jaw slacked some. Pennywise had shifted into something she had seen in a movie once. The film itself was gory yet dumb. One of the characters left her unnerved and disgusted. Pennywise is deformed, short, and grotesque. All he was is twisted flesh, a face with a sharp toothy smile and no legs, just arms. He grins and started to lean forward to fall on her.

With a startled yelp, Ruth thrusts a fist up and connects his jaw. The creature's eyes glowed red before falling backward with a grunt of a yelp. He drops onto the floor with a heavy thud, groaning as Pennywise landed on his head.

"OW!"

Ruth shuddered, "Ugh, nasty! What provoked you to turn into Belial from Basket Case?"

Pennywise lightly whimpers as he turned back to his clown self, rubbing his head.

"Argh, you irritating child," Pennywise grumbles. "That hurt! My head still hasn't recovered since the first night you struck me."

"I'm sorry," Ruth guiltily replies.

She mischievously grinned from a thought. "Do you want me to kiss it better?"

"Yuck, no!"

Ruth doesn't give him a chance to retaliate when she leaned forwards to make an attempt. Ruth does snake her arms around his neck to pull him close, but he easily slides out from under her then mindfully shoves her away.

Unlike the last time she tried something like this, the girl almost fell backward with the couch in tow. Ruth would have hurt herself, too. Of course, with Pennywise having inhuman speed, caught her and stopped the sofa from crashing to the floor.

She kind of yelled at him after the fact, which Pennywise figured out really quick how authoritative Ruth could be. He learned two things about her in those few seconds. One is to not push her as Ruth hates being shoved as she deals with it from being bullied. Secondly, he needs to be more careful. Pennywise has a strength about him that could harm the fragile girl, and he doesn't want that. Pennywise would like to preserve her mildly scarred, creamy flesh.

Ruth giggles and pouts. "Aw, you're no fun."

She leans over the couch to stare down at him with a soft smile. Pennywise glares up at her, his arms are crossed over his chest, and pouting like a child. If he could blush, a tinge of pink would be gracing his pale white cheeks right about now.

"Sometimes, I feel like you're just a child in a man's body."

He wrinkles his nose and sneers before sticking his tongue at her. Ruth just smiles and lightly giggles at his immaturity.

"Case in point. Because of your childish antics, Pen, your constant need to scare me does direct my attention elsewhere. Did you use that bizarre form on someone other than me?"

He grunts slightly with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Aah, some child who apparently is afraid of the ugly human monster thing. How they are, boggles my mind."

Ruth snorts, her smile growing wider. "Oh, you'd be surprised at what people fear these days. You could use that form again on Twitchy Eddie, though. I know he would have a mental breakdown over that deformed ball of flesh and teeth."

Pennywise chortles at the thought of Eddie's girly screech.

"More like Girlie Eddie," he mused with a grin and chuckles.

Ruth chuckles with him. She actually likes to hear Pennywise laugh for some strange reason. She studies him for a moment, considering.

"I'm curious now. Why do you scare children?" Ruth asks him, genuinely curious now.

The light moment dissolves in an instant. He stares at her, frowning deeply. Pennywise told himself he would not speak the truth of his nature. The girl is already morbidly fascinated by him. He doesn't want the irritant to know more than she needs. For all he knew, Ruth would hate him if she were to find out. Why would he be concerned about Ruth hating him? Pennywise wished he knew. However, Ruth must not know. His silence will let Ruth realize she shouldn't be worried about it.

Pennywise decides to leave Ruth, her question goes unanswered.

Ruth pouts at his reluctance to answer. So, she switched tactics.

"They think you're a cannibal, you know."

He guffaws. "Cannibal? Haha, I would have to eat my own species to be considered as such."

Her smile fades into a perfect "O," surprised. "Really? What exactly are you then?" Ruth wondered.

Pennywise stalls, his shoulders sagging. Argh, damnit!

He glances at her with a sneer. Pennywise noticed the childlike wonder in her gaze. She's very much interested and will bug him for an answer. Frowning again, he reluctantly shares.

Pennywise groans, mumbling shit under his breath. "A glamour," he began, turning away.

"A Glamour?" Ruth echoes. She had another question in mind, but he answers for her.

"I'm a species known as Dead Lights."

Pennywise then moved towards the basement door, slowly descending.

"Dead Lights? Okay, now I'm curious. Is Pennywise your real name or something you pulled out of nowhere?"

Ruth quickly jumps off the couch, following him.

"No, it's unofficially Dead Lights. I go by Pennywise in this form. Well, it's a stage name, really. I think it's dumb."

She pauses at the top step, staring at his back.

"Oh. Hmm, I can't see myself going around calling you Dead Lights. Yeah, it may sound intimidating, but I like Pennywise better."

Ruth then grins mischievously. "I think it's cute."

Pennywise missteps. He tumbles and crashes to the basement floor. "Argh!"

Her eyes widen, and clamp a hand over her mouth.

Oops. Penny is going to be mad now. Ooh, I'm so scared, Ruth sarcastically thought.

"Cute? It's not supposed to be cute!" He spat, glaring over his shoulder at her.

"Well, it's certainly not intimidating either." Ruth states, grinning.

She took in the sight of his sprawled, fallen form. He resembled a sea star with his long arms and legs splayed out. Ruth giggles.

"I wish I had my camera. You look like a sea star like that, Dead Lights."

He growls, "Irritating child! I'm going to devour you!"

Ruth was going to challenge him on his threat when they both hear a beep. Startled, she glances down at her watch. It's five-thirty.

"Holy shit balls, it's five-thirty already," she mutters. "You can "devour" me when I come back later tonight, Pen. I need to go."

Ruth then rushes up the steps, missing the disappointed pout.

"I wouldn't care if you didn't return, you irritating child!"

She stops at the landing, turning back to him. Ruth wonders now what "devour" really means. Does it mean like it suggests? To eat her, or is he trying to scare her? She wants to question him about it. Ruth sighs when she eyes Pennywise from atop the stairs. She searches his frustrated gaze, hoping for an answer by getting a read on him. Ruth doesn't see anything. She'll ask him later tonight.

She sighs heavily. "If you really don't want me to return, then why won't you devour me like you say? Better yet, why won't you call me by my name?"

Pennywise stares at her, refusing to answer still.

"Figures you would be silent. I'll be back around nine o'clock. I'll see you later!"

He watches Ruth rush out of his sight. Pennywise then hears her footsteps hurrying to the door above his head. Ruth is gone within seconds. He frowns, glancing around his surroundings. The basement seems a little less bright now that she's left the dark. Remaining on the floor, he crawls to the open well. Pennywise needs to be somewhere else. The emptiness inside the Neibolt House weighed heavily on his mind and shoulders.

The place is different when Ruth is not around.

It's late now. Ruth returned like she promised. She was a little late getting here, but Ruth is safe again. Pennywise wasn't here to greet her upon arrival. No, he's not here at all. Ruth knows as she doesn't feel him nearby. She sighs heavily, starting to believe Pennywise is avoiding her now. Ruth hopes he's out somewhere, scaring kids again for whatever reason. His absence left her questioning the creature's need to frighten. Is he frightening children for his entertainment or for a more sinister motive? She's beginning to wonder if the others were right. What if Pennywise is responsible for the children's disappearances? If he is, then why hasn't killed her yet? Or maybe, what makes her so different from the others?

Ruth is not unique or relevant. She is nothing but a waste of skin, an embarrassment, and a nuisance. Jordan said these things to her. They always seem to be true anyway.

She sighs heavily. I'm not wanted and forever unloved.

Ruth instantly regrets saying this. She promised Pennywise that she would stop bringing herself down. Of course, she is wanted since Pennywise tolerates her presence now. Ruth will eventually find love, but in what form and with you? There is sibling love, something Ruth kind of sees between her and Pennywise. There is a potential relationship with Stanley, but Ruth is unsure if she could see one with Mike. Those two seem to have an interest in her. However, her emotions direct her elsewhere. Ruth does seem to like the unknown Swedish stalker. He fits her preferences for men, but the guy is a little older than her. He is apparently of smoking age, so he's probably in his late teens or twenties. She wonders how he is doing.

Ruth sighs heavily while lying on the couch, her fingertips drawing an open heart and a sad face on the dirty floor. She's tired but wanted to remain awake for Pennywise's return. They have a routine. Ruth leaves to go home and have dinner, then comes back here. Her and Pennywise "talk" for a short time before Ruth falls asleep. Their discussions are usually minimal to begin with. Pennywise, more so mulls around in her head. He reaches the dark recess of her mind to better understand Ruth.

In a way, it's comforting knowing he won't say anything. Ruth trusts Pennywise to keep everything a secret. He's not like most humans who go around talking behind people's backs. She's beginning to see the evil clown as a friend. Ruth won't care if he doesn't see her as such. Although, the thought of him admitting she is his friend would be wonderful to hear.

With another heavy sigh, Ruth remained to eye the dark floorboard. Sleep weighed on her eyelids. Her fingers still drew sad things, relaxing Ruth. She hums, lightly starting to sing Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) to herself. Within a matter of minutes, Ruth falls asleep.

Pennywise returned to Neibolt about an hour later after running a little "errand." Upon his arrival, he discovered Ruth sound asleep. Her light snores were an indication. A frown adorned his ancient lips at the sight of her sleeping form.

He can see new bruises on her arms. He's beginning to see a lot more of the male's abuse on Ruth as of late. The extension of the mothers is coming to light. His gold eyes land on the cigarette burns and the fresh wound on her forearm. Pennywise even smells the blood from underneath Ruth's bandages. She didn't do a good job this time. He can tell Ruth was in a rush to wrap up the wound and leave the house.

When will it be enough? He questions.

He sighs then slowly crossed the room to join Ruth. Pennywise sets the sketchbook he obtained this evening near her hand. Ruth will be glad to have it back. He went out looking for it and took it back from the Tozier boy. He was surprised the four-eyed kid had volunteered to return Ruth's sketchbook. Pennywise can only assume the boy was guilty of hurting Ruth like he did. Richie had wished for Ruth to disappear like all the other children. It made Pennywise's blood boil from the hurtful comment. He would have frightened the boy but decided against the idea. Pennywise will scare the kid another time.

Pennywise sighs lightly. He draws the blanket over the curve of her shoulder, which skewed off, and carefully tucks it around her. He then moved to take his place by the right side of the couch. Pennywise stops when his eyes land on the open heart and sad face drawn on the floor. He frowns at the etchings before glancing at Ruth's arm, which extended out as she slept. He then saw the scars, the self-inflicted ones. Being silent, Pennywise sits by her and cautiously touches Ruth. His gloved thumb ran along with the pink and white markings at her wrist. His chest tightens, and breath lightly hitched. He snaps his gaze on her serene face. Pennywise frowns, saddened by this discovery. He watched her sleep, delving deep into her mind.

Ruth has tried numerous times to end her life. He can see each time she attempted to commit the act, which failed every time. Pennywise doesn't know if he should feel relieved or disturbed. The young girl is living in a dark world full of hatred and pain. It's a life Ruth has lived for fourteen years now. Going this long without human companionship or affection pulled this darling girl into a depressed state.

Searching further, he witnesses the bullying. The children are relentless at times. They would pull horrible pranks on her, do things to get her in trouble, and even hurt Ruth. Pennywise is angered when that Greta girl and her group of friends pushed Ruth around until she tripped and fell. They also dumped wet garbage on her.

And they label me the monster here? Well, technically, I am one. There are human monsters out there wearing the wool of sheep for clothing.

Pennywise pondered as he lightly caressed her palm, tracing the many lines and patterns. Why hasn't anyone focused their attention on these scars? They are all worried about the abuse upon her but not the self-inflicted trauma. He knows Ruth talked about her suicidal thoughts to Mike but never discussed further. "Things will get better. You'll see," is not exactly comforting to hear.

Now, if he genuinely wanted to say something to Ruth about her situation, his response would probably go like this. "I really hate you're in this situation, Ruth. No one should go through the torment you're facing alone, and it's not worth dying over either. What can I do to help you get through this? As I want what's best for you."

Pennywise is about the only one who is remotely concerned about them. He understands now why Ruth keeps asking him to kill her. Ruth is slowly dying on the inside and is losing her fight. He's known that for a week now. How can Pennywise help Ruth find her strength again? Better yet, how can he rescue her darkened heart?

Several days later

It's quiet, and Pennywise is bored.

He's sitting in the den where Ruth usually spends her time. Pennywise drew odd patterns on the floorboards absently, waiting. He's learned when the girl comes and goes, so Ruth should be here by now. Pennywise desperately needs some entertainment. Habitually, Ruth provides that little bit of excitement. It's something he gets a daily dose of no matter what the circumstances. It would either be him trying to scare her again or from watching Ruth draw. He learns a lot by watching her and mull around in her head. Ruth is a fascinating creature, after all.

Ever since he met Ruth, Pennywise has grown accustomed to Ruth's infectious personality. Granted, the girl has inner strife of her personal demons. She can conquer them, though. Ruth has an outlet that Pennywise has grown to admire. Except, it can only do so much for her. She's merely existing and trying to hide from whatever life throws at her. Pennywise knows Ruth needs something more than a channel. The young girl needs something worth fighting for, not strive. Someone needs to give her a reason to fight. The bunch that alienated her could have provided that fight. A few may not get along well with Ruth, but they would have worked around it. Alas, they're keeping her in the dark.

Maybe, Pennywise should be her reason to live? He provides her with attention Ruth never received before. He can tell his presence makes her happy because she is quite the opposite around him. Ruth is confident, persistent, and bright, even a little sassy, too, and humorous, not timid or cautious.

Pennywise grins at the thought of Ruth bounding inside the house with a wide smile. He glances at the doorway only to find it empty. His grin turns into a frown-like pout.

Where is she? Pennywise thought.

He sighs heavily, wondering. Ruth's unusual absence is bothering him muchly. Pennywise needs a distraction, or maybe he should go looking for her. He has this unbearable knot developing in his stomach, and Pennywise doesn't like it. However, Pennywise can tell the irritating seven are getting close to figuring out where he is hiding. He designated The Neibolt House Ruth's safe place. If they find out, the brats will intrude on their home.

He must protect her haven.

Pennywise will terrorize the bunch instead of waiting for Ruth. Scaring them will not only protect him but also Ruth. If they ever manage to get inside, Pennywise will surely frighten them away. He stood from his designated spot, rushing towards the shadows.

I'll come through the projector. The irritant will undoubtedly get a kick out of that, Pennywise thought to himself, laughing.

Unbeknownst to Pennywise, the paradigm between him and Ruth will change drastically today.

I should turn around, Ruth thought.

She eyes her bedroom window apprehensively. It's different from out here. Looking in, it seems calm and safe. Ruth scans the bare band-aid colored walls glumly. She was forbidden to have anything plastered on the walls.

"Nails and tape damage the paint," Jordan told her. Yet, she has a Hidden by Nature movie poster hanging behind the master bedroom door.

"Like you need movie posters and pictures for you to dream. Dreams are nothing but a fantasy," Jonathan says. Ruth believes that still.

Her parents are right, though. The nails and tape would leave behind damage. It exposes the story behind it, a lot like her scars. Ruth may not need posters, but she dreamed of love and acceptance. Although those dreams were squashed years ago. Ruth will never feel loved or wanted.

Stop thinking that! Stop bringing yourself down! Ruth yells at herself.

Ruth continued to eye her room from the outside. Most of her belongings are hand-me-downs. All of the furniture once belonged to Jordan, even the twenty-year-old mattress. Surprisingly, it's still quite cozy.

Ruth eyes the sheets, the feeling from earlier intensifying. Something is terribly off. However, she can't see anything. Ruth didn't see Jonathan's truck in the drive, so he can't be home. Jordan's car isn't here, either. Why would she feel paranoid? Ruth is not used to coming here this late in the afternoon. She needs to be at Neibolt, where it's safe. Ruth does not feel secure here. Every single alarm in her body is warning Ruth to turn away and run. Except, she needs something from her room.

She accidentally left behind her charcoal set. Ruth could buy herself a new box, but she doesn't have the money. Asking Jonathan is out of the question. She won't even ask Jordan. They were reluctant to buy her the sketchbook, along with the graphite and charcoal sets, to begin with.

Ruth heaves a sigh then works on removing the screen. She ignores her instincts, but the sickening feeling returned with a vengeance. She wants to vomit. With a click, the screen springs free. Ruth shudders a sigh, easing herself up and over. She glances around the room, nothing. Her bed creaks slightly from under her weight.

She stalls, her breath caught in her throat.

Jesus! Stop being paranoid! Nothing is going_. Ruth doesn't finish her thought when someone snatches her around the chest.

"Gotcha!"

She screams.

The attack is a blur.

Ruth never knew what came at her until she awoke an hour later and in pain.

"I hope he gives you the scare of your life," Ruth told him a week ago.

Ruth's wish came true. Pennywise scared Richie real good. The clown coming out from the projector freaked him out. The room full of clown dolls frightened him for sure. The girl in the closet with no legs definitely scared him. To met Pennywise topped it. Richie is beyond terrified now.

Richie wished the clown would find Ruth and frighten her to death. If her wish came true, then Richie's should, too. He can only hope it will.

He frantically peddles down the road with the others in tow. They had to get Eddie home. His broken arm needs medical attention. Richie knows Mrs. K will have an aneurysm upon seeing her son. He glances over his shoulder at Eddie. His friend is riding in the basket, which is attached to Mike's bike. Eddie looks frightened and exhausted. Richie understands. He frowns at the sight of him, then flicks his gaze at Mike. Richie glances behind them, seeing concern and fear in their eyes. He, along with the others, are still terrified of their encounter with Pennywise.

Richie heaves a sigh, turning to the road ahead of him. His eyes widen, and yelps. He is quick to maneuver out of the damage path, avoiding Ruth, who walked in the middle of the road. Richie hears a startled scream escape her lips, who rightfully holds her hands up to her head. He skids to a stop to briefly glare over at her. His friends stopped, as well. They glance from her to Richie. There is an unbearable tension as they all stared at her. The Losers look back at Richie then soon resumed their trek to Eddie's house. They don't want to be around to hear them bantering.

Richie took one good look at Ruth, who seemed out of it. She doesn't have the sass from a week ago and looks the life is drained out of her. Her hands still held her head, shielding herself from him.

"Don't look at me," Richie heard her mumble. Her voice is soft and strained.

He stares, mouth gaping. Richie sees the palm-sized bruises on her arms.

What the actual fuck!? Did someone hit her? Richie thought to himself.

"Ruth," he questioned timidly.

Richie noticed her trembling and hesitated in looking at him after he spoke her name.

"Wh-what happened to you?"

He studied her where Richie then noticed something that sickened him. Richie snapped his gaze on her, who finally regarded him with tears streaming from her eyes. He saw the bruised lip, along with the deep gash on her forehead. Someone struck her, and it made Richie's blood boil. He may not get along well with her, but Richie doesn't like seeing Ruth beaten like this.

Ruth doesn't say anything to him, which he is okay with. She doesn't have to say what happened when he figured it out without her outright saying it.

"Who did this to you, Ruth?"

Richie swiftly got off his bike and started forward to try talking with her, but Ruth flinched away.

"Don't come near me!" She screams.

"Ruth, talk to me. Who hurt you?"

He reaches out to give her some form of comfort but is shoved away.

"Stay away!"

"Ruth, let me help."

He doesn't get to finish when Ruth turned to run. He is quick in snatching her wrist, but Ruth yanks her hand out of his, shoves him away, then bolts.

"Ruth, wait!"

Richie wanted to run after her, but something kept him grounded. He watched Ruth sprint down the road with a horrible gut feeling that this might be the very last time he will see her. Richie doesn't like it either.

He stood in the road with mouth gaping, heart racing, and head swarming. Richie has to tell someone what happened. The only problem is who? He certainly can't go to the police. The majority of the officers are Jonathan's eyes, but at least six or seven aren't. Richie can't remember who they are either. If he were to approach any of the crooked ones by accident, they would go inform Jonathan. Once that happens, something far worse will happen to Ruth. Richie doesn't want that even though he feels the worse has already been done.

Richie certainly can't tell the others. No one would believe. Well, maybe Mike and Stan will with the way they act towards Ruth. He knows those two are smitten over Ruth. It kind of bothers him, too. Not that Richie is jealous. He just thinks that neither Mike nor Stan are Ruth's type, but who is he to determine if they're compatible. So, maybe he should talk to them.

With that thought in mind, Richie climbed back on his bike.

In the back of his mind, Richie wished he had returned Ruth's sketchbook a lot sooner. He wonders still of where it went. Richie wanted to apologize for what was said back at the festival. He had a horrible nightmare that night and predicts something terrible happening to Ruth.

Richie feels he is too late.