A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all doing well this evening and staying safe out there.
Thanks for being patient with me in updating. I have been working back and forth with several upcoming chapters these past two weeks. I'm still working out 17. Hopefully, I will post again by next week.
In the meantime, please enjoy the chapter with updated and alternate scenes.
It's happening. Ruth is going back and against her will.
If she were a little more careful, Ruth wouldn't be in this situation, to begin with. When Ruth realized something didn't feel right, she quickly deposited her groceries at one of the drops she and Pennywise designated for emergencies. Ruth didn't have enough time to conceal herself before Henry showed up to take her home.
Now, if Ruth didn't need food to last her for the next couple of days or got sidetracked by her hunky Swedish stalker, she wouldn't be out this late. Usually, Ruth would go in the early morning and grab whatever she needed, but her supply ran out later in the afternoon. Ruth had no choice but to go out and replenish her stock. Ruth was sure to inform Pennywise of where she was going, and the allotted time Ruth would be home. If Ruth doesn't come home at the time she says, Pennywise will start looking for. He has done it once before.
Ruth was ten minutes late last Thursday when she saw Jordan going into work and had to duck low for a bit. Once she got back to Neibolt, Pennywise was already out searching. Of course, Ruth wasn't going to go back out when she knew leaving would guarantee her getting caught. Ruth has learned to project thoughts onto him if he were far from home. Once he knew she was safe, Pennywise was home within a matter of minutes. Ruth quickly explained what happened and was grateful he didn't yell at her for being careless.
Pennywise did ask her, though, to be aware and learn to open her senses. Ruth didn't understand why he advised her to do so but followed his instruction. If she wasn't humming a song to fill the silence and shut her mind, Ruth would not have been caught. Ruth didn't realize something was wrong until the last few minutes.
This past week, Ruth avoided going home like the plague. It's not safe there anymore. Ruth promised Pennywise she wouldn't and stayed true to her word. Until now, that is. She is going back but not at her consent. Ruth is supposed to be back at Neibolt by seven forty. Once it is past five minutes from the allotted time, Pennywise will come looking.
In the back of her mind, though, Ruth hopes Pennywise is not searching for his next victim in the process. He hasn't grabbed a kid to feast on for the last few weeks now. Ruth is sure he is getting hungry for a limb or rib meat or some sort of substance from the unsuspecting and frightened child. The children of Derry are his preferred source of protein anyway.
Ruth gulps, her eyes never leaving the dark fabric. She can feel Henry watching her but choose not to say a word. Ruth had calmed down some but is still freaking out. She should have been paying attention to her surroundings. Otherwise, Ruth wouldn't be in the position.
The silence in the car is thick and tense. Belch refused to rush in returning Ruth. He's taking his time in hopes of Henry changing his mind, but the Mullet Head said not a word. Belch wants to say what Ruth told him weeks ago. Except, Belch made a promise to her that he won't reveal her secret to anyone. Now, it's going to end up killing her. Belch sighs as he turned a corner.
Not too far away now.
Victor kept quiet himself while occasionally checking on Ruth. He always found her staring at the floor. The knot in his stomach intensified every second they got closer, especially now. He turns in his seat, seeing Ruth absently staring at the back and is tracing patterns with a finger. Tears are rolling from her eyes, and she is trembling. Victor frowns with a heavy sigh. He opens his mouth to say something, only to close. What can he say?
"Where were you, Ruth?" Henry asked suddenly, disturbing the silence.
Refusing to glance at him, Ruth answers. "Why do you care?"
"Just answer the question, Greyson."
"Nowhere in particular," Ruth replies with a lazy shrug.
Henry regards Ruth, carefully observing her. "Why did you leave?"
"Does it matter?"
"Of course, it matters! We've been looking everywhere for you, Ruth!"
"Why? It's not like we are buddies or anything, unlike Reggie and me."
She doesn't see it, but Belch grins.
"We may not be buddies, but you had me fucking worried. You had all of us worried about you, Ruth. Christ, we thought you ended up missing like Patrick and the others. I mean, where the hell did you go that we couldn't find you?"
"Like I'm going to tell you where I was hiding. And," Ruth pauses with a sideways glance at Henry. "I'm sorry I worried you. I didn't realize you actually cared."
Henry scuffs and folds his arms with a halfhearted sneer. "I don't."
"Could have fooled me," Ruth returns.
"Were you at least safe where you were hiding?" Belch questions while he watched her from the rear-view mirror.
Ruth looks up then, staring him in the eye. "I was."
He gulps, guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders now.
"Will you answer this for me?"
Ruth shakily breathes, glancing over at Henry. She finds him staring with a soft frown.
"It depends."
"Why are you so desperate to not wanting to go back?"
She stares briefly, hiding a smile. Ruth has a short window now that her house is in view.
"I made a promise to someone," she answers softly.
Confused, Henry's eyes flicked down and stared for a long silent moment.
"What was that promise? Or maybe, who did you make that promise to?"
They came to a stop at the drive, which Ruth gulps.
"Someone who was there for me more than anyone else. I'm going to miss my friend. I hope he will, too."
Ruth doesn't think about Mike, not even Stanley or the Swedish Stalker. Well, that's a lie. The dreading feeling of not seeing him again is true to a degree. She will be leaving soon, not him. Ruth is now glad she got to see him one last time and got to flirt with her dream man. The highlight of their run-in, other than telling him about her situation and everything else, was the stalker singing Happy Birthday to her in Swedish and gave her a kiss on the forehead. It was a sweet gesture, and Ruth will treasure that moment. That's beside the point.
The other person that crossed her mind while coming here is Pennywise. During her stay at Neibolt this past week, she came to terms with her affections towards the evil goofball. Ruth is starting to love him as if he were a protective big and tall brother. Of course, there were moments where her fondness ran deeper. Ruth had to remind herself Pennywise is a shapeshifting creature and can't harbor any romantic feelings for him. Ruth doesn't know why she would when said being doesn't understand human emotions. She can tell Pennywise is beginning to since he allowed her to stay and is taking on Ruth's guardian's role when he didn't have to. Ruth is glad he did. She needed someone like him to hear her story.
Ruth doesn't doubt he's already looking for her since she didn't arrive back at Neibolt when she said.
Maybe that's why you weren't there to help me. You are already out searching for me. Aren't you? Ruth thought to herself.
Henry became disturbed by her comment. It sounded to him as if this was her last moment on earth. He stares at her before returning his gaze elsewhere, only to return with a snap. Henry opened his mouth to question when Jordan came bounding out of the house.
"Ruth, baby," Jordan cried out, waiting at the front door.
Ruth glances at Henry, who is looks horrified.
"I really don't want to go," Ruth whispers.
Henry felt his stomach twists tightly from the fear in her eyes. He glances away, breathing deeply with a light scowl.
He clears his throat with a struggle.
"Let's go," he instructs gently.
"Henry, we can't," Belch stops to glance at him.
He noticed the reluctance in his friend's gaze, but there is also an underlining fear. If Belch recalls correctly, he overheard Butch threaten to beat Henry senseless if he didn't fulfill his task. Henry doesn't want to do this to Ruth, but must for his own skin. Belch now wonders if they should drive off with Ruth and never return to Derry. You know, be runaways. Except, Jordan saw Ruth.
"Come on, girly, let's go," Henry lightly urged, nudging her to the door.
"Henry, please, don't make me go back," Ruth begs, crying.
"I don't have a choice here."
"Yes, you do, Henry! Please don't leave me with them. They'll kill me!"
He gulps, shoving her this time. "Move it! Vic, get out of the way."
"Henry," Victor protests nervously. He glanced at Ruth then at Henry. "We can't leave her here."
"I said, move!"
Defiant still, Vic sat there.
"Ruth, honey, it's okay, baby. You're safe now," Jordan's voice reassured.
"No, she isn't," Victor whispered out loud.
He and Henry have a stare down for a long moment before Vic ultimately eased himself out.
Henry watched him slowly crawl out before he followed suit, bringing Ruth with.
"No! No, Henry, please! Please don't make me go back!" Ruth screams, whimpering.
"I am so sorry, Ruth," he whispered apologetically and touched her cheek.
She's hot to the touch and wet due to her frightened tears. Henry wants to say something more but couldn't find the words. Instead, his mouth quivered into a weak smile while caressing her smooth lips.
"I'm sorry."
Henry suddenly shoves Ruth towards the open car door. Victor gently takes her hand and helps Ruth out. They all hear Jordan cry in relief upon seeing Ruth.
Except, they all knew better. This is all an act. Ruth is terrified to be back with Jordan and Jonathan.
What can we do to get Ruth out of this? Victor asked himself as Jordan started forwards.
"Oh my god, Ruth, baby! You're okay!"
Jordan rushes over and embraces Ruth tightly. It caught Ruth off guard as Jordan has never hugged her before. She felt the intensity in her arms and the quiver from sobs quake in her mother's chest, even Jordan's fingers entangle in Ruth's messy hair. Jordan held onto her like a lifeline and for a long moment, too. Ruth couldn't tell if she really was glad to see her or faking it. Nonetheless, it's her first hug from her mother, and Ruth fears it could be the last one.
After another long moment, Jordan finally pulls away and gingerly took Ruth's face into her hands.
"Where have you been? You had me worried sick! I thought you disappeared like all the others. Don't scare me like that ever again!" Jordan cries.
Ruth gulps as Jordan held her face, noticing the furious glint in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, mother," she replies shakily, trembling under Jordan's gaze.
Henry, Belch, and Victor watched as Jordan continued to hold Ruth's face in her hands.
Belch noticed Jonathan wasn't out here to greet Ruth. He glances over at the house, seeing Jonathan's tall form in the shadows.
Why isn't he coming out? Belch questioned.
Jordan leans, kissing Ruth's forehead. "I am so glad you're okay, Amber," she whispered.
Jordan tears her eyes off Ruth to the boys and embraces Ruth's head at her impressive bosoms, lightly suffocating her.
"Thank you for bringing my darling girl home. We've missed our little honeybunch terribly."
The boys stood rigid, glaring intensely at Jordan. Neither like the sight before them.
"Yeah, you're welcome," Henry responds tightly, watching Jordan for an opening.
"Come now, baby. Daddy has your favorite dinner waiting for you." Jordan pulls Ruth away from her breasts, who gasps for air then is guided to the house.
Ruth struggled, resisting stepping foot into the house. "NO! Let go!"
Jordan tsk' ed, pained at Ruth's resistance, "Oh, honey, please don't act like such a child. You're safe."
"No, I'm not! I don't want to be here!" Ruth screamed, struggling to get free.
Jordan sighs painfully, remaining to guide Ruth towards the house.
"No, stop," Ruth glances over at Henry, pleading for him to help. "Help me, please," she mouths.
Henry's fingers twitch into a fist, trembling. He starts forward with the intent of wailing on Jordan. He's not going to stand by anymore.
"Thanks again for bringing her home." Jordan's voice rang in his ears.
"Hey, Mrs. Greyson," Henry calls to her.
"Go on home, Henry," Jordan instructs, shoving Ruth to the door.
Henry follows still, determination in his gaze. "Jordan," he calls this time.
Jordan turns with a toothy grin. "Go home."
"Please, don't leave me," Ruth mouthed from over her shoulder as she got closer to the door.
Jonathan, at that point, made his appearance. He sees Ruth and beams. "Ruthie, baby girl! You're home!"
From behind all of them, Victor and Belch are startled. They've never really seen Jonathan or Jordan together. Now that they have, Victor nudges Belch frantically.
"Dude, dude," Victor mumbles.
"Stop, nudging me, man."
"Ruth doesn't look either like her parents," he whispers harshly.
"Yeah, I see that. I'm not blind, you know."
They watched Ruth back away from Jonathan, only to bump into Jordan. Belch and Victor see Jordan lean over Ruth and whispered something in her ear. They then both saw the pocketknife at Ruth's back. Jordan pushes Ruth towards Jonathan, who then snatches her at the waist. Ruth thrashes, struggling to get free. The sickening feeling from earlier intensified. Their fingers curled into tight fists, ready to fight the adults.
Henry rushed forwards, his fist trembling with rage. "HEY! Let her go, you fucking whore!"
Jordan turns sharply and roughly shoves Henry away.
"I said, go home! You brought her back as I requested. Now leave, before I call your father on you, you little shit."
He flinches, backing off some but raised his arms in mock horror. "Oh, I'm so scared."
From behind Jordan, Ruth's eyes widened while struggling to get free.
"You should be," Jordan warns.
She sizes him up before punching Henry in the nose. She struck him with such force that he fell backward and slammed onto the ground. He yells out, groaning while cradling the back of his head.
"Henry!" Ruth cried out.
"God, you mother fucking bitch," he seethed, rolling on the ground while covering his bloody nose.
"Henry!" Victor and Belch shout, rushing over to help him up.
Jordan snaps her gaze on the two, her patience growing thin quickly.
"You three get off my property this instant," she demands, pointing at them.
"Not without Ruth, we're not," Belch declared, standing tall despite his stature.
Jordan's eyes narrow, her features hardening. "I don't know what you think is going on here, you lump, but Ruth is safe. I asked you to do me a favor, and you did just that. I'm aware your psychopathic ring leader here is infatuated with my daughter. I don't want her involved with him. Now get the fuck off my property."
They all glared at her, scowling deeply. Henry wanted to charge at her, but something is holding him back. Henry assesses the situation in front of him carefully to consider their options. There are three of them. If they got Ruth involved, it would be four against two. Except, Jordan and Jonathan are much bigger than them. They would be overpowered. Fight or devise a plan to save Ruth?
He wants to fight.
He glances over at Ruth and stares. There is this voice in his head telling Henry he must forgo attacking the adults.
Leave her, this voice tells him.
Hell no!
Leave Ruth here, the voice insisted.
She will be okay, trust me, they added.
He desperately wants to save Ruth, but Henry must listen. Henry doesn't know how he senses this, but something or maybe someone has plans for Ruth tonight.
He sighs heavily, "Let's go, guys," Henry coaxed Belch and Victor.
They glance at him, startled and alarmed. Belch goes to protest but stops. Henry silently glares at him, urging Belch to start moving. He looks over at Ruth, seeing her horrified expression.
"Henry," Ruth called.
"Henry, we can't leave her," Belch pleads.
Henry ignored him, motioning Belch to the car.
"Henry!" Ruth screams.
Victor and Belch glance from Ruth to Henry, conflicted.
"Henry, we can't leave her here," Victor implores.
"Let's go," he tells them.
Still fearful for Ruth, both the boys glance back at her. Even from here, Ruth's feature contorts into a deep grimace, and tears fall from her eyes.
"Reggie! Victor! Please, don't leave me!"
They gulp harshly but are defiant still to leave Ruth behind.
Jordan glanced from Ruth to the two boys with a purse of her lips. After a moment, she swiftly approaches Belch and Victor with a vicious snarl and towers over them.
"Well, isn't that sweet? You two must hold a special place in her heart. Now, if you really care about her, I highly suggest you leave."
"What if we don't?" Victor questioned with a sneer and fist trembling at his side.
She leans close and looks them in the eye, where a smug grin surfaces.
"If you don't," she starts in a childish whisper. "It will be her throat I will cut open and not yours." Jordan threatened.
Belch and Victor's eyes widened once Jordan drew her switchblade in the line of vision and flicked it open.
"Now, what will it be, boys?"
They didn't have to verbally say anything. Belch returned a vicious glare, then with one last look at Ruth, he and Victor reluctantly followed after Henry.
"Yeah, go on home now, and don't you come back here," Jordan turned away from the retreating teenagers to the house.
Ruth helplessly stared at Jordan, then turned her attention on Belch and Victor, watching them leave with dread overwhelming her.
"No, guys, please! Come back!"
"Shut your mouth," Jonathan demanded, then yanks her back.
Ruth screams and thrashes wildly as she was forced into her home.
While all of this was going on, the Losers went about their daily lives. The only exception is Mike, Richie, and Stan as they searched for Ruth even after curfew.
They are unaware of what tonight would bring for Ruth now that she has returned home. The boys rode frantically around town for their friend.
They weren't the only ones, either.
Someone else is on the prowl searching for Ruth.
One of the four is closer than they believe.
Have you heard of the expression, "the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife?" Well, you can't cut it when it is this intense. After five minutes of Henry and Gang leaving, Ruth sat at the dining room table. It is deathly silent between them as they sat around eating. Ruth anxiously watched her parents eat the crab cakes and fried shrimp.
She knows what they're doing.
Do you really take me for a fool? Ruth questioned them inside her head.
"Eat up, honey. You don't want your dinner to grow cold," Jordan urges.
Ruth eyeballs her mother then slowly at Jonathan, who is shoving the fried shrimp in his mouth with a satisfied groan. Her nose wrinkles, and frowned deeply. She steadily breathes as she pushes the dish away from her and into the center of the table.
"You should know I'm deathly allergic to sea life," Ruth began, eyeing the fork.
"What are you talking about, hon?"
Ruth stares dubiously with a cocked brow. "I'm allergic to shellfish."
Jordan and Jonathan observed Ruth with hands trembling.
"Oh, I'm so sorry I completely forgot."
Ruth scuffs, "No, you didn't. If you want to kill me, just do it already. At least then I will be able to put up a fight. It will be a clue for the police to know there was foul play involved. Not to mention, you premediated my murder by accidental consumption of shellfish. We haven't had injections shots lying around since I was five. I mean, you are allergic to chocolate, and we don't have any for you if your throat suddenly swells up like a balloon."
Jordan glares at Ruth as her jaw squared while Jonathan scowls then reached for the glass pitcher.
"Why do you think I was gone for a week? So, don't paint me as a fool. I know what you're trying to do here. Just so you are aware, Henry, along with Reggie and Victor, know. All of that hubbub was all just an act to reveal who you really are underneath that hollow shell you call your skin. They are on their way to the police station and put in a tip that you're planning on killing me. They're also going to inform them that you and this shrimp shoveling swine here are the ones behind the disappearing children."
She watches them shakily breathe and glared daggers at her. Ruth may be digging a deeper grave for herself here, but she has this strange and sudden desire to play. Telling them some bullshit story about Henry and the guys going to the police is one of Ruth's rouses. Ruth wants to scare and taunt them. If Ruth is going to die, she would much rather go out swinging instead of willingly and peppered with mischief. Especially now, she has people worth fighting for. Ruth unknowingly twiddles her fingers under the table, imitating in holding a cigarette.
Jordan breathes heavily, setting her fork down. "You're lying."
Ruth pulls her lips in a Pennywise-like grin, leans forward with her hands resting on the chair seat.
"Am I?" She whispers playfully.
She sees Jordan exchange a disturbed glance at Jonathan, who stopped pouring himself a tall glass of water, which became empty. Ruth noticed this.
Jordan breathes, trying to remain calm. "What is my number one rule, Amber?"
"Whose, Amber?" She questioned with mock innocence.
"Cut the act, young lady. What is my number one rule? And don't make me repeat myself a third time."
"Aww, you're no fun," Ruth whines with a pout. "If you really need a refresher of what the number one rule is, it's to not go near or talk to anyone."
"That is correct. Your friend Mike Hanlon came by looking for you."
Ruth doesn't seem fazed by Mike's name, but she felt something crack within her core.
That bloody idiot came here?
"Even a fairly cute curly red-headed boy came by. I didn't get his name, though."
"Wait, my Stanley Bee was here," Rush questions stupidly.
Jordan regards her with a frown and brows furrowed by Ruth's strange behavior. "Oh? And how do you know him?"
Ruth shrinks under her gaze, silently berating herself for getting excited.
"Oh um, I've only seen him in passing a few times at school and were in one class together, that's all."
That crack deepened because Ruth can feel her heart grow numb.
He came here, too?
"Are you not friends with him, too?"
"No," Ruth replies in a whisper.
"Hmm, that's too bad. If those boys are not friends of yours, then who are they?"
Ruth glances at Jordan sadly. Her previous bizarre behavior dissolved in an instant.
"Why did they come here?"
"Mike was concerned about you because he hasn't seen you for a while. That colored boy was pretty fucking ballsy in punching your father even threatened him for attempting to hit that Stanley kid. He got Mike to back off. Stanley must have been concerned about you, too. So, if they are not friends of yours, Amber, then who are they to you?
She inwardly groans, reconsidering her friendships with both of them. Granted, Ruth does like them, but she feels they can't be trusted anymore after they came here to confront Jordan and Jonathan.
"No, they're nothing to me," Ruth replies with a cold detachment in her voice.
Not anymore there not, the fucking bloody morons, Ruth thought to herself.
Jordan glowers, "Oh, really now? I call bullshit."
Ruth refused to answer.
"What did you tell them, Amber?"
She scowls with eyes narrowing.
"Everything. Those boys may not be friends of mine, but once they realize I disappeared like a fart in the wind, they will be pointing their fingers at you and Jonathan."
Jordan's breath quickens, scowling, "Do you know the consequences for disobeying me?"
Ruth unknowingly revealed her Pennywise-like grin again and prepared herself for the attack.
"I'll only fight back."
Jordan glares, her lips forming a straight line. "No, you won't."
"Do you want to bet, whore?"
Like a gunshot fire, Jonathan swings when Ruth snatches the fork then flips the table, blocking the pitcher. It shatters, spraying shards into her face. The two adults make a grab at her, but Ruth slips out from under them. She tries to make an escape, only for Jordan to snatch her. Ruth is held from behind at the stomach as Jonathan came at her. She is swift to stab him with the fork into his arm and forehead, then viciously kicks him in the gut twice.
"ARGH! Goddamnit, you fucking little bitch," Jonathan snarls.
Ruth viciously kicks him at his groin, causing him to double over with a scream then collapsed to the floor and whimpers.
"Gah, fuck," Johnathan whimpers some more and cupped his private area. "Argh, holy shit on a shingle, I think she burst one of my balls!"
"Yeah, sorry about that," Jordan started as she struggled to contain Ruth. "Remember I did show her how to knee a man in the groin."
Jonathan answered with another whimper and groans.
Ruth says nothing as she twisted and scratched at her mother's arms and face. She punches and elbows Jordan, hoping to get free.
"OW! Quit fighting!" Jordan screams.
Ruth answers thrashing and scratching because that is all she knew at this point. She must fight.
If she wants to see Pennywise and her concerned stalker again, Ruth must win this war against her parents. They're about the only ones worth fighting for.
If I'm going to die, I'd rather die trying!
He doesn't know what had happened with Ruth. She was supposed to be home by seven-forty anyway.
Pennywise, unfortunately, had his own errand to run. He needed a kid to feed on and something else entirely. He was out longer than Pennywise anticipated. Nonetheless, he couldn't control the matter.
When Pennywise returned to Neibolt, he was greeted with silence. Usually, Ruth brought some sort of warmth inside the decaying house, but it was unnervingly cold. He didn't like it either. Pennywise looked for her inside their home, even called out to her, not by name, though. He has quickly adapted to referring to Ruth as Freckles. She seems to like it anyway, just as he grew accustomed to her Pen or Penny nicknames. He won't admit out loud or to Ruth, but Pennywise actually likes those epithets.
Once Pennywise realized Ruth wasn't in the house, he immediately checked each drop-off if she had to stash away her goods and hide. What he should have done was check closer to home instead of further out. Pennywise thought maybe Ruth was still in town and had to stay low for a good long while. When she was at neither of the stowaways in and around Derry, Pennywise started to think the worse. The thought of the bright and beautiful child dead somewhere frightened him to the core. Yes, that's right. He was scared for once and seriously concerned for Ruth. Pennywise hopes she is somewhere safe and out of trouble.
Except, his instincts tell him differently.
Something is terribly wrong.
He can feel it deep within his bones.
Pennywise is beginning to believe she went home. Except, that place is not home. It's her grave. If Ruth did go back, she would most certainly die. Ruth promised him she wouldn't. Ruth gave him her word that she would never return there. The irritating child went back anyway for whatever reason.
No, wait, she hates that place. The only way Freckles would go back is if someone took her there. Yes, that must be it. Whoever did will surely pay, Pennywise thought.
As he got closer to her house to investigate, something didn't settle right on his shoulders. He sags, a sickening feeling twisted in his stomach, and his chest tightens. The home sat eerily quiet from out here. No sound of crickets chirped, no buzzing of mosquitoes or croak of frogs. It's dark like the sewers he travels sans the smell. It smelled of wet pavement. More rain is due to the fresh scent of moisture in the air. There are hardly any lights on the inside except one. The eerie glow of pale yellow illuminated from behind drawn window blades like the moon piercing the night.
Something is, indeed, very much wrong. A sensory of numerous alarms went off like fireworks. One by one, Pennywise's nerves hiked.
He must delve into Ruth's mind.
The moment he did, Pennywise heard Ruth's scream. Something inside him burned like a California wildfire from her distress. Especially when Ruth called out for him in desperation. His eyes glowed brightly, and his lips pulled back in a deep snarl. He can see it clear as day, Ruth is fighting the adults with every fiber of her being.
With a deep animalistic growl, Pennywise charges inside the home.
The adults had wrestled Ruth into her bedroom now, struggling to restrain her still. They are thrown off guard by her strength despite her petite and slowly filling-out frame. Jonathan never realized she had this strong of a fighting spirit. Yes, Ruth has escaped him many times and lands a finishing blow. Her right now, it's sheer will. Ruth is fighting with a purpose. Jonathan can only assume it has something to do with either the colored boy, Mike, or the flamer, Stanley. He'll teach her.
Jonathan's wrists and fingers swelled from trying to keep Ruth from kicking. He grabs for her left ankle but is kicked away.
"Ouch! Quite fighting, slut!" Jonathan snarls. "Damnit, Jordan, hold her down!"
She grunts and groans, "I'm trying here! Ow! Fuck, damnit, stop squirming!"
"Get off me!" Ruth screams, trying to wiggle herself out from Jordan's harsh grip.
She raked at Jordan's face, causing the woman to scream and bleed. Ruth's nails dig deep into her mother's arms, even bites down hard to draw blood. Ruth caused Jordan to yell out, who refused to let go.
"OW! Fucking bitch!"
Jordan viciously slams Ruth's head on the floor, twice.
Ruth's ears ring, her vision slowly darkening, and her fight waning quickly.
To be sure Ruth doesn't move, Jordan wrapped a leg around Ruth's torso and hugged the girl's arms with one. She holds her blade to Ruth's throat, breathing heavily from the struggle.
"You know I never wanted you. The truth is your dear sweet daddy did." Jordan sneers.
Ruth may be slightly out of it from her head hitting on the floor, but she understood. Jonathan wanted to make her life hell. She can feel his hands smooth over her shins.
Get your hands off me, you insolent swine! Ruth screamed.
"So, you are aware, Jonathan is not your father," Jordan whispers, grinning still.
Well, no, shit, Sherlock, Ruth snarks to herself.
"Jon moved in with me to help take care of you. Your real father is dead."
Ruth stares out in the hallway, seeing the shadows shift. She blinked furiously. Thick tears stung her lacerated cheeks, and her head throbbed unpleasantly.
What, my dad is dead?
"This your Uncle Jonathan, my twin brother."
The man sickeningly grins, licking his lips. He eyes Ruth devilishly while gripping her calves. "Hiya, niece."
What the fuck? They're siblings and twins! Why am I learning this now? Ruth questioned with confusion.
"He showed up on my porch one day and convinced me into abducting you instead of leaving you with your father. Several weeks after you were born, we tracked him down and buried your father six feet under."
You, you fucking bitch! You killed my father and got away with it?
Ruth growls, finding her strength back. Ruth maneuvered her legs away from Jonathan, kicking him viciously in the stomach and groin. He painfully groans and released Ruth's legs. With her legs now free, Ruth pushes her lower body away from the floor while snaking her arms out. She is quick to grab Jordan's wrist, pulling the switchblade away from her throat. Ruth pushes herself back, slamming Jordan into the wall behind her with a grunt. Anger boiled in Ruth's veins and rears her head to collide with Jordan's forehead.
Jonathan recovered quickly and tried to grab at Ruth's legs again. Her foot connects his mouth and nose, then kicks him in the sternum to push him back.
"Stay away from me, you swine!"
Ruth yelps. Jordan yanked her by the hair. She doesn't let her womanly instincts grab at the wrists. Instead, Ruth jabs Jordan in the side of her ribs twice. She scrapes her long nails across Jordan's scalp, grabbing a handful, and pulls. The woman screamed. For added effect, Ruth snaps her elbow upwards and connects Jordan's jaw. The woman refuses to let Ruth go. Even though she is being held from behind, Ruth maneuvers her legs to gain leverage. However, Jonathan returned and grabs.
"GET AWAY!" Ruth kicks at him, trying to keep him at bay.
Jordan tugged Ruth's hair, tilting her head back to expose her pulsing vein. She quickly wraps her slender legs around her daughter's tiny torso, hugging her tightly and keeping Ruth still.
Jonathan finally got himself to prevent Ruth from kicking and situates himself in between her legs.
Ruth is trapped.
Ruth stares up at the ceiling, tears rolling from her eyes and panting. She's petrified now. Her fear is so intense and raw, Pennywise could sense it from miles away. That is if he is even coming. Ruth doesn't know why he wouldn't want to when she and Pennywise get along just fine, but what if. What if Pennywise doesn't come to her rescue? What if he doesn't care like Ruth thought he did? He has threatened to end her life several times but decided not to go through with it. Maybe Pennywise saw Ruth's real fear and allowed this to happen. Ruth hopes not. If this whole thing is his doing, Ruth would be crushed. She trusts him for crying out loud! Ruth lets the fear of him not coming to her rescue fester in her brain like wildfire. If there is one thing Pennywise is attracted to is raw and intense fear. She'll create the fear of being abandoned and dying at the hands of her mother and uncle.
PEN! She screamed in desperation.
When Ruth stopped struggling, Jonathan took it as her giving up.
"Looks like the little lamb lost her fight. It's a good thing, too, because this time," Jonathan paused, eyeing Ruth menacingly and licked his lips, "I'm going to screw your brains out like I did the first time, slut."
Jordan snaps her gaze at him with a snarl. "Excuse me, what?"
"What do you think it means, you ditz?"
Jordan's eyes widened with her mouth hung open briefly.
"You sick bastard! How could you do something like that and to your niece, no less?" Jordan screeched.
"What does it matter to you? You never wanted the skank anyway!"
She opens her mouth to berate Jonathan for the disgusting act he had done but stops. Jordan, along with Ruth and Jonathan, heard a deep, ominous growl.
Jonathan stares at Ruth then at Jordan. "What the fuck was that?"
They heard the growl again, followed by bones snapping and popping into place, followed by a groan and shuffling feet.
"You lied," a male monotone voice rings in their ears.
Ruth sighs in relief and grins into the shadows of her room.
"You lied," the voice says again, groaning.
Jordan sat rigid on the floor with eyes wide. The voice she hears sounds familiar to her.
"You lied," the voice repeated.
Jonathan, at this point, releases Ruth's legs and steps away. He stood at the sound of approaching footsteps. The man is foolish enough to walk towards whoever is in the room. He stares into the thick shadows, his gunmetal grays scanning the blackness.
"Who? Whose_?" He's cut short when Jonathan gasps sharply and painfully.
A sickening sound of flesh ripping fills the room, along with Jonathan's groans.
"Jon?" Jordan calls, who still held onto Ruth.
Both she and Ruth watched as Jonathan stumbled backward with his attacker. With the dim light from the moon peeking through, a man reveals himself. His soft masculine features are sunken in, skin decomposed, and brows knitted close. The man's cracked lips are taut, forming a straight line. Their pale hazel eyes burned angrily at Jonathan. Their skull caved in from a blunt object.
"No, you're dead! YOU'RE DEAD!" Jordan screams.
The man snaps his gaze on Jordan, his features morphing into a vicious toothy snarl.
"YOU LIED!" The man bellows.
Jonathan yells and falls onto the floor with a thud. He groans while cupping his private part when he rolled onto his side to hide the gushing blood.
"Jon!"
The male towers over Jonathan, his toothy snarl pulling back in a maniacal grin, growling. He stoops low to come eye level of Jonathan's vision. He drew a long blade already caked with blood, then lunges forward. He drives the knife upwards into Jonathan's groin and stomach.
Jonathan screams.
"JON!" Jordan yells out.
"YOU DON'T TOUCH HER!" The decomposed man enunciated. He grins wide, revealing rows of teeth and eyes burning a bright gold.
Jonathan screams, glancing over at his sister with terror in his eyes. He opens his mouth to speak, only for a slew of blood to funnel.
Jordan stares helplessly at him, thick tears streaming from her eyes. She tried to scream, but it came out as a strangled cry. Jordan sat with a horrified Ruth, watching her brother getting gutted like a pig.
"Jordan," he gurgles.
She whimpers with a grimace.
"Jon, no," she sobbed.
"Run," he groans.
She didn't want to, but she must. Jordan quickly stands, bringing Ruth with her.
"Move it!" Jordan urged, forcing her daughter out of the room.
"NO! Let go of me!" Ruth fought.
She swiftly kicked at Jordan's thigh in an attempt to knock her down, but it doesn't hurt her much.
"Ow! You don't have a choice, you fucking little bitch! Now move!"
Jordan pulls Ruth out into the hall, dragging her by the hair, who rightfully yelps.
"Ow, you mother fucking bitch! Get your hands off of me! PEN!"
Jordan growls and throws Ruth into the wall, who grunts from impact. Jordan holds Ruth by the collar, threatening the frail child. Jordan's switchblade lightly pierces Ruth's skin, where a trickle of blood streamed down her throat and chest. Ruth glares at Jordan with lips pulling back in an animalistic snarl and flexed her arms.
I'm going to murder you, Ruth, darkly thought.
"Who else have you been talking to, huh? I told you, Amber! You don't go near anyone!" She bellows, smacking Ruth.
Without realizing what she is doing, Ruth connects Jordan's jaw with a vicious punch.
Jordan grunted in surprise but is quick to return the favor and busted Ruth's lip. She throws Ruth against the wall again, who made not a sound. Ruth claws at Jordan's arm and kicks at her shins.
"Argh! Tell me who! I'll slaughter them like I'll do you!" She screams.
She tosses Ruth onto the floor and starts kicking at her daughter's back and stomach. Ruth struggles to crawl away, trying to defend herself. She is not going to let her sick mother win this. Ruth glances over her narrow shoulder at Jordan with a snarl. She swipes at Jordan's ankle, tripping her. Jordan falls sideways into the wall with a grunt but keeps upright. She kicks Ruth again in the small of her back.
"Who?" Jordan roars, kicking Ruth again.
"You want to know so badly," she replies finally.
She fluidly eased onto her feet with arms hanging at her sides. "I'll give you their name."
Jordan lunges, attempting to stab Ruth. The small girl sidesteps to avoid the blade then grabs at Jordan's wrist. Ruth tries to shove her mother against the wall to no avail. She's much too small. Jordan cackles, pushing Ruth back onto the floor with a punch to the gut.
"Who have you been speaking with, Amber?" Jordan bellows, advancing forward.
"His name," Ruth's lips pull in a Pennywise-like grin. "Is Pennywise," she answers with a strange ring.
"Pennywise? What kind of weird-ass name is that?"
Ruth lunges forwards, only to collide into the wall again. She doesn't make a sound, just glared at the woman that will die soon.
"I would be careful if I was you, Jordan," Ruth warns with her Pennywise-like grin and giggles. "He'll smell your fear."
"Smell my fear? What is he, an imaginary friend?"
"Oh, he's not imaginary. Tell me, mother," Ruth pauses, staring Jordan in the eye. She can see it clear as day, fear. Her mother is terrified of something. "What are you most afraid of?"
"I am afraid of nothing." Jordan enunciates.
Ruth cackles oddly with a tilt of her head. She returns to eye Jordan with her strange grin.
"Oh, yes, you are," she sing-songs. "I can see it in your eyes. It doesn't really matter, though. I'm going to kill you anyway." Ruth replies confidently.
Jordan growls then lunges to toss Ruth to the wall again, who remains to make not a sound of pain. Ruth is hurting, but she refuses to give Jordan the satisfaction. She's punched in the stomach and doubles over slightly. Ruth returns to knee Jordan twice in the gut then connects Jordan's kneecap with a vicious snap. The woman screeches in pain, dropping Ruth to the floor. She is quick to stand and rushed inside the kitchen.
Jordan charged after her despite the limp. She makes a grab at Ruth, which ended up forcing her into the counter. Several things crash to the floor, along with a knife set. They clatter loudly as Jordan flung Ruth onto the tile harshly. She towers over the frail girl with rage. Her forest green eyes burned with an intensity she never thought possible. With a crack of her neck, Jordan holds out her switchblade. She watched as Ruth struggled to sit up. The woman is quick to push her down.
"I was going to be famous," Jordan starts. She kneels and stabs Ruth in the calf.
Ruth then made a sound and screamed loudly.
"I was going to be in the headlines!"
She stabs Ruth in the thigh, causing the girl to cry out.
"Fuck," Ruth whimpered a groan while trying to search for a weapon.
Her fingers graze something, a stupid spatula.
"I even landed a starring role for a major film."
Jordan continued to stab Ruth in the leg, making her yell out.
"And guess what my character's name was. Her name was Amber. I named you after the character I was supposed to be. Except, you had to fuck up my life, nuisance!"
Another stab to her thigh made Ruth scream. "PEN!"
She can hear a grunt of snarl, not from Jordan or from her but from Pennywise. Ruth doesn't know what he's doing. He might be feasting on Jonathan's slaughtered body, which she doesn't care if he does. All Ruth wants right now is to not die at the hands of her sadistic mother.
Ruth whimpers, "If you're going to kill me, just do it already, you fucking bitch."
"It would be too easy to kill you now. No, I'll make you suffer first."
She strikes Ruth with the pummel of her switchblade, twice. Ruth's left brow bled.
"You must really like to hear yourself talk."
The last thing Ruth expected was her head slamming onto the tile. Her vision blurs, and her ears rang.
"Don't be smart with me, you little bitch. Your father, Rutherford, asked me to bring you into this world so he could have you, not me. I was fine with that. Except, my pregnancy left me out of the spotlight. They gave my starring role to someone else while I became a pregnant extra. I wanted the fame, along with the limelight. I won't allow my sorry excuse for a daughter to get the luxury of living her dreams, that is, if you had any. If I couldn't have the life I wanted then, I'll make it so you won't live yours either."
Despite the blackness, Ruth saw one of the knives that clattered to the floor. She felt Jordan straddling her and leaned forwards.
"I'm going to kill you nice and slow," Jordan sing-songs in Ruth's ear.
The sadistic woman hovered over Ruth, low enough for Ruth to strike once she has her opening.
"Tell your weak daddy, I said, "Hi," for me," Jordan starts, eyeing Ruth carelessly. She doesn't see Ruth reaching for a knife. "Happy Birthday, Ruth."
Ruth breathes, her heart pumping in her ears. She forgot today is her fourteenth birthday. Well, this has turned into the worst birthday ever. They never celebrated with cake or presents, not even friends. Ruth always made her birthday wish under her breath. She wanted the same thing every year, and it's not going to change now.
Ruth snatches the handle.
I wish I had a friend!
With a furious cry, Ruth strikes and sunk a butcher knife into Jordan's shoulder.
Jordan screeches and drops her switchblade. She flinches backward, which in turn gave Ruth the upper hand. Ruth snaked out from underneath and stabbed her mother again, which she rolls off. Jordan crashes into a cabinet door, groaning while clutching her chest.
"You little fucking bitch," she groans. "I'm going to slaughter you!"
Fatally wounded, Jordan makes a grab for her weapon to retaliate. However, her attempt cost her. Ruth shoved Jordan down onto her back and climbed over her. She drove the knife down and pierced the woman's chest again and again.
Jordan yelled and tried to block the next blow.
"Amber, stop!"
The knife impaled her palm, making her scream.
Ruth doesn't hear her second plea, or maybe she chose not to. She delivers another blow, which resulted in Jordan groaning.
The woman doesn't make another attempt to shield herself from Ruth's blade as it came down again and sank in her sternum. She laid there, defenseless and helpless. Jordan watched as her once nuisance of a daughter drove the knife down. Ruth's desire to kill her now became Jordan's worst nightmare. She was always afraid Ruth would learn the truth about her father in some fashion. She just didn't think it would result in this. It's kind of ironic, really, as it seems the roles have reversed. Jordan bludgeoned Ruth's father to death out of anger for not getting her stardom or enough inheritance money. For Ruth, she is stabbing Jordan to death for murdering her father and the fourteen years of abuse. She can now see it from Rutherford's point of view.
Jordan's lips curl in a weak grin, taunting Ruth. She is not disappointed as Ruth unmercifully and relentlessly continued to stab her as Jordan drew her last breath.
Ruth doesn't how many times she sunk the large knife into her mother's chest. Most likely one too many times, she doesn't care in the least. She just went at it like a frustrated serial killer venting out and taking great pleasure in doing so, even when Jordan no longer breathed.
One, two, buckle my shoe.
Ruth started singing in her head as she brutally butchered Jordan's chest.
Three, four, knock at the door.
Jordan's smile still remained etched on her face, and it burned in Ruth's mind like a branding iron. Her blade redirected itself and plunged deep into Jordan's cheek. The grin never faltered as another stab wound landed on the other side. Ruth couldn't control herself and struck her dead mother in the mouth in hopes of erasing the horrid grin. It doesn't.
Five, six, pick up sticks.
She is relentless. Ruth harbors so much resentment towards her mother that she could not stop. All the years of torment fueled her to profusely stab the woman beneath her. Even when she couldn't erase the sick grin plastered on Jordan's face, Ruth can hear Jordan's voice echo in her brain.
"You're a worthless, hopeless child," Jordan said.
Another plunge to the face.
"Get out of my sight, you fucking nuisance."
Then another
"No one will ever love you because you are a waste of skin, an absolute nothing."
And another
Seven, eight, lay them straight
Ruth sang to counter the negativity of Jordan's horrid lies, but she knew it to be true. She is worthless, a nuisance to all, hopeless, unloveable, and absolutely nothing. Who in their right mind would want her around? Ruth is a letdown, a joke, and a disease that should have never been born. She can feel her eyes brim with tears and blurred her vision, then lets out a whimper.
Nine, ten, a big fat hen
By the last plunge, Ruth lets out a horrid, blood-curdling scream in Jordan's face, who still grinned despite the blood covering her. Ruth yanked the knife back and made to drive the blade down again. Except, a hand snatches Ruth's wrist and jerks her backward.
Startled and still frightened, she tried to fight whoever it was off. The first person that crossed her mind of who it could be was Jonathan. He had a tendency to grab her from behind. She remembers him forcing her down onto the bed the first time the sick bastard tried something. Of course, Ruth got away by stomping on his foot and kicking his shin, along with a few other things. The dumbass gives her openings. That's why Ruth panicked and started flaying. She struggles with them in regaining dominance, but they are a lot stronger than she is. They knocked the bloody butcher knife from her hand, which landed with a clatter a foot away, then pulled Ruth towards them.
"No, let go of me! Get away!" She yelled with a whimper.
Ruth doesn't get a chance to retaliate. She is immersed in someone's arms and pressed tightly against their broad chest while squirming.
"Ruth, it's okay, it's okay, it's me," a familiar voice whispered near her ear.
Her eyes snap open, discovering silver, crimson buttons, and cream lace obscuring her vision. Ruth's breathe stalls, and lips quivered into a deep grimace before sobbing. When Jordan hugged her earlier, Ruth was surprised and a first. Except, it lacked warmth and passion, but this, Ruth has never been embraced like this before. Ruth felt a rush of security wash over her like rainwater, along with a warming swell in her chest. Pennywise's arms feel like any other person as he held her close and tightly. They are sturdy yet gentle. His body seems human underneath his old clown suit. She doesn't feel small against his large and broad frame. Ruth molds flawlessly against him. Is this what it feels like to be hugged? It's new for Ruth. Pennywise is the first person to hug her as an old friend would reuniting after many years of separation. She feels completely safe for the first time in her life. Ruth's fingers curl tightly at his suit as it's something for her to cling onto at the moment. Tears streamed from her eyes as his hands gripped her hair comfortingly. Ruth then realized Pennywise called her by name. She wrapped her arms around his chest and inched herself closer as she suddenly desired comfort. She lets out a painful yelp from pressing her injured leg into the tile but continued crying.
"Penny," she whimpers and hiccups while clinging onto him.
Pennywise lightly shushed her and drew Ruth closer. Being mindful of the wounds on her leg, he readjusted himself to set Ruth on his lap. Despite hugging her close, Ruth remained to weep loudly. He can feel her violently shake, and the thick tears drench his suit. He didn't care, though. They'll dry out. Pennywise could even care less about the blood which stained his back from Ruth's clutching fingers. It's not like he ever looks there, to begin with.
He makes a quick glance at the motionless body of which laid like an inkblot against the filthy tiled floor. Jordan's flaxen hair is stained crimson, her flesh sheet white, and the grin that haunts Ruth's mind still lingered. He counted all the stab wounds on her chest, including the ones on Jordan's face. Ruth had stabbed Jordan fourteen times. It's a perfect amount considering that is how long Ruth had dealt with the monstrosity of a woman. Personally, he would have delivered an additional ten or more. The whore deserves it anyway, especially for all the times Pennywise discovered Ruth crying because of the woman's dispirited remarks or abuse.
Pennywise had a passing thought of ripping Jordan's heart out of her butchered chest. She was a heartless person, to begin with, so why not? It will display the woman's callousness.
The thought escapes his mind once Ruth's voice fills his ears.
"What did I just do?" Ruth cries, repeating the question against his chest.
He shifts his gaze away from the body onto Ruth, who trembled still. Pennywise softly shushed her and gently rocked in his spot, hoping the movement will help calm her down. Pennywise had seen adults do this to comfort their young. He understands Ruth had just gone through a terrible ordeal and is distraught over murdering her mother. So, why not try it to console the poor girl the best he can. Pennywise is not precisely the reassuring type, to begin with, but for Ruth, he'll make an exception. She needs someone who can support her, and he is more than willing to provide the girl with just that.
Quite honestly, Pennywise is not even sure why he chose to hug Ruth. He had the perfect opportunity to kill her, but he couldn't find it in himself to do so. Maybe it has something to do with the sheer panic and fright he felt from Ruth's distress. Or maybe, Pennywise has this unnatural need to protect her. Pennywise concluded he genuinely cares for Ruth. The irritating child has weaved herself into his cold heart to the point Pennywise can't function properly without her. He absolutely adores Ruth and the life she brings. He wants to be the friend Ruth never had.
"It's okay, Ruth," Pennywise whispered softly while running his gloved fingers through her hair. "You're safe now."
Despite the tears which continued to fall from Ruth's eyes, Pennywise felt her smile against his chest. He couldn't help the smirk that crossed his own. Even when she is in an emotional state, Pennywise manages to make Ruth smile.
He sat at the edge of the kitchen, consoling Ruth until her tears and sobs slowed into sniffles. Ruth remained to tremble, though, which will go away once the shock wears off. It took Ruth five minutes to calm down enough for him to carry her into the bathroom. The wounds on her right leg needed attention.
They stayed quiet for the most part while they double teamed in washing away the blood and cleansed the stabs from possible infections. Since the injuries were on the right leg and hard to reach, Pennywise offered to stitch them up for Ruth. Of course, she tried to fight him on it, but he insisted. Pennywise actually managed to fascinate her with his inhuman speed while he stitched the stab wounds closed. Once he was finished, Pennywise persisted in bandaging them up for her.
Pennywise doesn't understand why he asserted himself in helping Ruth when she could do it herself. Maybe his guilty conscience wanted to make up for all those horrid years doing the task all alone. At least, she is grateful for him doing something he doesn't do on the norm. It seemed weird for him to show this level of affection and for a human girl no less.
Ruth uncomfortably watched him finish wrapping the wound on her upper thigh. She never had him this close before. Ruth can actually smell the stench of sewer water on him, which isn't entirely nauseating. Yet there is a hint of circus scents on him of sizzling hot dogs, salty peanuts, cotton candy, and her personal favorite buttery popcorn. She's not sure if it is possible to smell like a place, but Pennywise does. Not like she ever been to a circus, but Ruth always imagined those scents wafting in her nostrils.
Ruth flinches suddenly from his satin gloved fingers ghosting over the bandage he just wrapped. The wound is still swollen despite being cleaned and stitched. It will probably be tender there, along with the others for a short time. She will just have to take it easy for the next week or so.
She makes a sideways glance to see him staring at the wounds solemnly. Ruth can tell he feels guilty for not getting here sooner and stopping the adults from attacking. She gets the impression Pennywise blames himself for her injuries when it shouldn't be. It's not even hers. Jordan is the one to blame, and the woman got what she deserved. Yet, it's also Henry's fault for bringing Ruth here against her will. He'll get his just deserts, as well. Pennywise will most likely have a say in what should happen to the numbskull.
Ruth sighs lightly as pain tightened around her head like a rubber band. It didn't feel that great either. She pinched the bridge of her nose with eyes squeezed shut and silently groaned. Ruth now wonders if she might have a concussion from Jordan slamming her head against the tile. It would explain the headache and how uncomfortable it's getting. Although ibuprofen will help soothe the pain, along with some rest and not do any strenuous activities for the next couple of weeks.
She sighs one last time, then reached to run her fingers through Pennywise's surprisingly soft yet coarse hair. Ruth doesn't know why she felt the desire to do so, but it, in a way, calmed her and him. She caught the surprised look in his eye, even the ghost of a smirk that crossed his lips. Ruth would have smiled, too. Instead, her voice finally cuts through the thick silence.
"Pennywise," she starts gently, her voice soft.
Pennywise timidly gazed upon her then, uncertain and mildly intimidated by the tone in Ruth's voice. He couldn't quite place it, but he has a feeling Ruth wants to tell him something. Pennywise can tell just from the look in her eyes and the way her mouth opened and closed. He noticed the dusting of pink gracing her cheeks and the bashful smile which followed. Ruth had the same expression when he lifted her spirits after the now slaughtered swine raped her. Despite the lacerations and gash on her brow, Ruth still looks alluring. Pennywise wanted to shake his head from the bizarre truth but couldn't.
The words she wants to speak are on the tip of her tongue, and for the love of galaxies, Pennywise wants to hear those two simple words again.
She bit at her bottom lip and formed a letter but never got to speak.
A loud and vigorous pounding, along with a rattling ring, erupted in the silent house, startling both of them.
The sound startled Ruth more. She jumped slightly with a yelp, causing her to slide off the tub's edge backward. She would have cracked her head against the opposite wall if Pennywise hadn't swiftly snatched her forearm and yanked her forward to sit firmly back on the rim. Ruth clutched onto his strangely toned arms for a moment to catch her breath, then gazed in the direction of the front door.
The pounding got louder with purpose, and the rattling persisted in ringing.
There was then a voice.
"Ruth, please answer me!"