Hi, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
I also hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I know with the pandemic that it must have been hard for some or a majority if you couldn't see your entire family. My heart and prayers go out to anyone who has lost family members and has been affected by the virus. I pray for healing and fast recovery for you. No matter what the situation, we are all in this together and will get through this.
I won't say much about the chapter, except note a couple of scene changes.
Enjoy the read, guys.
God bless, take care, and be kind!
The majority of the car ride is quiet and unbearably tense.
The three teenage boys refused to say a word to another. Their frowns and drooped brows carved into their features like a permanent mark.
Belch breathed heavily, gripped the steering wheel white-knuckled, and contemplatively eyed the road. Victor, for once, sat up in the front while picking at his nails and cuticles. On the other hand, Henry laid in the back with eyes staring at the car roof, counting the many dots in the fabric.
They were not far from Henry's place when without warning, Belch slams on the breaks and screeches to a jarring halt in the middle of the road.
Henry yells out and rolls off the seat onto the floor, bumping his face in the process. Victor, who is buckled in, jolts forward and squawks. He makes an unusual sound, almost like a quack or Donald Duck gasping in surprise. Victor sat uncomfortably in his seat. His eyes dart around the interior with a frown adorning his thin lips, hoping that neither of the guys heard his strange yell.
After the initial shock from the sudden and jarring stop, Henry groaned as his nose started bleeding again after bumping it.
"Ugh, what gives?" Henry complained while on the floor still. "And who in the hell choked Donald Duck?"
Belch doesn't answer straight away. He cranks the wheel sharply, u-turning on the road, then grass, and almost clipped a nearby tree.
"What the hell are you doing, dude?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going back."
Henry poked his head between the seats, his nose bleeding still, and glared at Belch with horror contorting his features.
"Are you out of your fucking mind? Jordan would have our asses if we showed up on her doorstep!"
"And you don't think she did the same to Ruth? I did not want to leave her, Henry!"
"We didn't want to leave," Victor chimes, his gaze relaxing and ridden with guilt.
"We had to!"
"Why?" Belch snapped and made a glance at him.
Henry stared at him for a long moment before breaking eye contact to stare out the window. He frowns while his eyes shifted from the dark grass to the road. Henry hoped he would find an answer to describe what he felt. The voice is another. How can Henry explain the voice told him to leave? With a hard sigh, Henry finally opened up.
"This voice told me to leave her."
Belch slammed on his breaks again, causing Henry to lurch forward and crash into the console. Victor squawked the same sound again from the jarring stop.
"Argh, Christ, Belch! Stop that." Henry groans.
Belch pivoted in his seat and glared at Henry with a scowl.
"Your conscience? Your conscience told you what to do? What the fuck Henry?"
"It's hard to explain," he starts with a groan.
Belch smacked Henry's head.
"OW!"
"Then start explaining, asshole!"
"Okay, okay, fuck! Someone told me to leave her and that she will be okay, and to trust them."
Belch glared at him and opened his mouth to yell at him but stopped himself. Instead, he heaved a heavy breath with a deep, pursing scowl. Victor mirrored his expression.
After a long pause, Belch resumed his trek back to Ruth's home. He's not going to bother talking with him. When Henry attempted to say something, Belch held a dismissive hand at him.
They traveled in solemn silence for a good five minutes.
Every time Henry tried to speak, Belch continued to dismiss him and without a glance. He focused solely on the road and traveling at an illegal speed. If there were a police car around, Belch would be pulled over for sure. Strangely, luck is on his side tonight when not one police car or soul came to view. It's as if someone is watching out for them despite their mistakes.
"Look, I'm sorry," Henry finally forced into the open.
Belch still did not look over at him or spoke.
"You're sorry? Sorry is not enough, Henry," Victor says for Belch.
"I know that, fuck!"
"We told you to not take Ruth home. She was in danger, and you took there anyway. I mean, what the hell changed your mind at the last minute to try doing something?" Victor questioned since Belch refuses.
Henry thought back to the moment he observed Ruth. He remembers the old markings on her arms, which Henry wanted to assume Ruth inflicted upon herself. Except, Henry didn't want to face the harsh truth that they are a lot alike. When Henry finally noticed the scars on her wrists, he realized then the pale wounds were caused by someone else. His delusion and arrogance blinded his judgment, which resulted in his betrayal. Despite the bi-polar relationship, Henry truly cared about Ruth and looked out for her like a brother. Yet he squandered his friendship by taking Ruth back home when Henry should have known she wasn't safe there.
He leaned back to rest against the seat cushion and stared ahead.
"I saw her scars," Henry replies softly.
Belch's features softened but remained to grip the steering wheel tightly.
"What scars?" Victor asked.
"Ruth has scars on her arms and wrists. I always knew she had them, but I was oblivious to accept we are the same. I tried to do something at the last minute, but it was too late. Fuck, I feel like such an idiot!"
Neither Belch nor Victor didn't say anything for a long moment. Victor stared at him with lips curved downward and brows furrowed. Henry stared right back at him, his frown never leaving.
"She's going to hate you, you know," Victor replies softly yet has a tightness.
Henry's frown deepens, and shoulders slumped. He stared at Victor for a moment before looking away to stare at the plastic, leather console. His body swayed and bobs from the curves and bumps in the road, pondering how things will go once he, Belch, and Victor arrive at Ruth's place. Henry knows Ruth is going to be angry even hurt they had betrayed her. She may even strike him in the nose to further his injury or even go below the belt and numb his genitals. Just thinking about the pain the first time Ruth kicked him in the groin made Henry unknowingly cover his privates protectively. He had to ice himself because it hurt so bad. He doesn't want that to happen again.
"I know," he finally mumbles while cradling his family jewels.
It took them ten minutes to get there. They have been gone for twenty minutes now.
When they finally arrived, the house sat eerily quiet. Neither of them liked it. Henry was the first to jump out of the car and rushed down the drive to the door. Henry frantically pounds on the door.
"Ruth!"
Henry heard the telephone ring from inside, causing him to look into the nearby window. When he didn't see anyone, and the phone continued to ring Henry panics. His eyes are wild now that he feared the worse.
Henry pounds laboriously and frantically.
"Ruth, please answer me!" He calls, dread weighing on his shoulders now.
Fuck! Shit, no! We were too late! He screams in his head.
Desperate, Henry reached for the doorknob to enter the home. He stopped when the phone ceased at the seventh ring, and the sound of light footsteps approaching filled his ears. He holds a breath, anxious.
Let it be, Ruth. Please, let it be Ruth, Henry begs.
Henry waited an antagonizing minute before the door timidly opens. He cranes his neck to peer around the edge. That breath he held audibly leaves his lungs and sags in relief.
Ruth stood before him, bruised and a mess. Her eyes are slightly puffy from crying, and cheeks pink. Henry noticed the small lacerations from tiny shards of glass and a gash at her left brow. Her swollen busted lip hung slightly, stunned that Henry came back.
"Henry?" Ruth started, shocked.
"Hey," it was the only thing he could say right now.
Henry watches her for a minute, studying her rigid body language. He can tell that something had happened. Henry can only assume the parents are either unconscious or dead. Henry hopes unconscious, so he can wail on them.
"You, you came back."
"We did," Henry replies, glancing over his shoulder at Belch and Victor.
Once Belch saw Ruth, he rushed over, "Ruth!"
He quickly takes her into his arms and hugs her tightly, which made Ruth cry out. The bruises on her arms stung, and the stab wounds on her right leg are still numb with pain.
"Oh, god shit, I'm so sorry! I am so sorry, Ruth."
He glances down at her, finding her right leg bandaged. "What the fuck happened to you?"
"That fucking bitch, Jordan, that's what!" Ruth snarled and pushed Belch.
"Oh shit, she did that to you?" Belch stuttered, horrified.
Henry started forwards into the house only to get shoved away.
"You stay the fuck out!"
"We're here to help you, Ruth."
Ruth punches him in the mouth, who staggers backward with a groan.
"Argh! What the fuck? I think you knocked some teeth out!"
"I don't give a shit if I did, you fucking son of a bitch!"
"Ruth, calm down," Belch replies gently.
"Don't you tell me to calm down! You should have been here twenty minutes ago!"
"Ruth," Victor approaches carefully.
"You stay the fuck away from me!" She screeched and shoved Victor harshly, who almost fell off the cement porch.
"If it weren't for you sons of bitches, I wouldn't have gone through the hell I went through. I asked for your help, and you fucking ignored me!" Ruth screams, pointing at them.
"It's my fault, Ruth, not theirs. I made them leave," Henry defended.
Belch opened his mouth to argue, but Ruth is quick to talk over him.
"And they are free to make their own choices!" Ruth snaps angrily. "Just what in the fuck was going through that mullet of yours where you had to abandon me?"
All three of them stood there, guiltily. Ruth stared at them, appalled.
"Seriously? You can't even answer that!"
"I only left because Jordan threatened to slit your throat if I refused!" Belch blurts.
Ruth glanced at him. Her scowl softened slightly, then glances down at her feet but said nothing except fidget with her fingers.
Belch's throat clenched, and he lightly nodded his head, understanding her avoidance.
"I left because this voice in my head told me to," Henry admits finally.
Ruth snaps her gaze on him with a tilt of her head and features contorting into pure rage. "Your conscience told you to leave?"
He frowns, gulping with a nod.
I don't think it was, though, Henry thought to himself.
"Wow, because of your shitty conscience, I almost died today!"
Henry, along with Belch and Victor's stomachs, plummet. They stared at her, horrified. The three boys look away from her, guilt overwhelming their eyes.
Henry opens his mouth, only to close.
Belch is the one to disturb the silence that fell upon them.
"I am so sorry, Ruth. I should have done more to help you. This should've never happened. It was stupid of me, I know. Even when Jordan threatened to kill you, I regret leaving you here. Can you forgive me?"
Ruth frowns deeply with angry tears falling. "I don't think I can accept your apology or forgive you for that matter. I fucking trusted you, Belch."
"Ruth," he pleads.
"No! No," Ruth shakily replies while pointing at them. Her tears streaming. "You three best get off this porch."
Henry, at that point, grew furious. He came to help her, and she's rewarding them with hostility.
"You're a bitch," Henry growls.
"And you're a psychopath," Ruth returns viciously.
"Yeah? Well, this psychopath didn't want to charge at Jordan when there was a risk of you getting hurt in the process, princess."
"How? How would I have gotten hurt?"
"Uh, hello! Big and tall dingleberry Jonathan snatched you! He could have done something to hurt you, Ruth."
Ruth rolls her eyes, "He already done that something," she replies matter-of-factly.
Henry seethes while Belch and Victor seemed glum. "Where is that mother fucking prick?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. The fucking swine got what he deserved," Ruth informs with a sneer.
Neither of the boys was going to comment on that. They know what it means.
"Look, I'm sorry I fucked up so bad. I had my own fears. I had to worry about my ass getting handed to me by my old man if I didn't do what I was told."
"Oh, for the love of God, you are free to make your own choices. If you wanted to run, you do just that. I've tried numerous times to escape, but something kept holding me back. Because of it, I have been running and hiding since I learned to walk! Now that I finally found my safe place, I was brought back here against my will."
They stared briefly at her, ashamed at themselves.
"We all had a choice. We could have gone on the run together, but you had to fuck it up."
He opened his mouth to argue, only to close. Ruth was right. They could have run away and been a small family of friends. Henry, along with Belch and Victor, would protect Ruth from people like Jordan and Jonathan. Except, that dream was squashed. Henry ultimately decided what was best for himself, which evidently shaped Ruth's new outlook on life now.
Henry sighs heavily, then leans against the doorframe.
"I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for the decision I made, Ruth. I should have listened to you. What's worse, it had to be on your birthday."
Ruth just stared at him with a scowl, hurt overwhelming her gaze. He watched her gulp and look away.
"I'm sorry, too, Ruth. You should not have been left alone with them. My promise to you almost got you killed," Belch chimes apologetically.
Henry snapped his gaze on Belch, "What promise?"
Belch sighs heavily, "With Jordan and Jonathan supposedly dead now, they were abusing Ruth. She asked me not to tell you or anyone else."
"What the fuck, man? Your secret almost killed Ruth, damnit!"
"I gave her my word I would never tell. I promised myself I would protect you at all costs, except I failed to do that. It's my fault I got you in this mess, Ruth."
"It's not just you, Belch. It's all of us. We should have stood up to the whore and dingleberry," Victor chimes in.
He glances over at Ruth, scanning her exhausted, beaten form. "I'm sorry, Ruth. I should have done more to help you. I saw how scared you were before we brought you back. I was gutless."
Ruth glared at them. "I still want you off this porch."
They frown at her toneless response.
"You do know you can't stay here, right?" Henry asked.
"I know that," she snaps. "I need to go. I can't stay here much longer."
"Do you want our help?"
"No."
"We won't keep you then. Take care of yourself, Ruth. If anyone asks questions, we won't tell them anything or that we've seen you."
Ruth blinks, "Why wouldn't you?"
Henry lightly smiles. "It's the least I can do to keep you safe. Go to the Neibolt House. No one will look there for you."
"Henry," Ruth starts, but he talks over her.
"We have to protect you, Ruth. We fucked up, and we want to make up for it by hiding you."
Belch lightly smirks, "It's either that or find that friend of yours you spoke about earlier for help."
Ruth blinks quickly, nodding. "Right. Now leave before someone catches you here."
"Yeah. Take care of yourself," Henry starts to leave but turns back. "Oh, and um, Happy Birthday, Ruth."
She stares at him. "Thank you," Ruth replies tightly.
He watched her turn to the door and lean against the frame for stability. She doesn't look so good. Ruth is drained both physically and mentally. Henry doesn't have to ask what happened inside the house because he already knows. Jordan and Jonathan are dead. He can only assume she did the deed to survive. It could be possible this friend of hers might have played a part in murdering the adults.
"Ruth," Henry calls.
Ruth glances at him, frowning. Henry saw it then. The sparkle of life she once had is gone. Remorse weighed heavily on his shoulders now.
I should have never left, he thought to himself.
"How can I make it up to you?"
She studies him, her frown deepening. "You can't."
His heart plummets, and fingers curl into a fist.
"However, if you are serious about making things better with whatever we have left, which there isn't, you better keep your word in wanting to hide me."
Henry steadily breathes, locking his gaze on hers. "You have my word, Ruth," he replies with conviction.
Ruth looked she didn't believe him but nonetheless accepted it. "I'll take your word for it, but I expect action as well. And you better not be lying to me, Henry Bowers. Now leave."
He is quick to turn, leaving Belch and Victor at Ruth's doorstep. The three watch him return to the car and hid in the back where Henry silently cried.
Belch sighs heavily, regarding Ruth with a sad frown.
"Trust me when I say this, I am so terribly sorry for not being here for you. Maybe then you wouldn't have gone through what had happened. I won't say anything either. And," Belch pauses to pull something out from behind.
He hands off a lavender, foiled wrapped gift. Ruth stares at it in confusion for a second before taking it from him.
"What is this?" She questions, examining the object.
"Duh, it's a birthday gift."
Her brows scrunch as she slid a finger under the folds. Once it was fully unwrapped, Ruth snaps her gaze on him, genuinely surprised.
"You kept it?"
"When you dropped it several weeks ago, I held onto it. I could have given it back to you, but it caught my eye. If you don't mind me doing so, but I read it. It's pretty damn good."
Ruth eyed the cover to Clive Barker's The Hellbound Heart, dumbfounded.
"I even kept the bookmark where you had it. I didn't want you to lose your place."
She looks back up at him, her mouth hanging open. "Thank you."
He inwardly grins. "You're welcome, Ruth, and Happy Birthday. I promise I won't disappoint you again. And um, there is a little small something inside where you left off. Take care now."
Ruth finally managed to smirk. "I will thank you."
Belch then turns, grinning madly as he lightly skipped back to the Trans-Am.
The only person that remained was Victor. He regards Ruth with a slight curve of his lips, watching her guiltily still.
"I know we're not close or buddies, but I am sorry for what happened. You didn't deserve any of it."
Ruth doesn't respond, just stared with a scowl.
Vic sighs, disheartened by her aloofness. "Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks."
"Stop referring to me by that name."
"Alright, okay. Take care of yourself, Ruth."
He, too, leaves, except unlike Belch and Henry, Victor looks back. Ruth remained to watch him, but so did someone else. Victor saw the golden eyes staring at him from within the darkness of her now unsafe home. He wants to feel nervous for Ruth, but something within his gut and heart that she is in good hands now. Whoever is watching them has no ill intent on harming Ruth. However, they are infuriated at him, along with Henry and Belch, for what they did.
From the porch, Ruth watched the three silently drive away. She noticed the glum expressions, but Ruth saw Victor horrified about something. Ruth glances over her shoulder at Pennywise, who stood behind her, watching as well. She doesn't say anything, and neither did he.
Pennywise steps backward as Ruth unsteadily returned inside the darkened house, exhausted. She raggedly breathes and pressed her back against the door to rest. Ruth lets out a long, steady exhale from her lips, then collapses onto the floor. She grunts and cries out from the impact, but it seemed Ruth doesn't care. Ruth sat there, pondering with a finger tapping on the floor.
She stares ahead into the darkness of her home, pursing her lips. Ruth gazes in the direction of the telephone, curious who would call the house. She doesn't know anyone that would want to call and wish her a Happy Birthday. Well, there are a few that would. Mike could be one of them, or Stan or even Richie if he was genuinely concerned about her. Ruth is not sure if her stalker would. He already saw her today and said his wishes. None of Jordan or Jonathan's henchmen would either. Officer Bowers might have just to check in on Jordan since they have a history but doubts it.
I wonder who called, she thought to herself.
Ruth sighs heavily, then glances at Pennywise, catching his eyes flicker with anger. It's understandable, though. He overheard the conversation and learned Henry brought her here. Ruth never got to tell him anything about what happened. She'll speak to him about it all once Ruth sorted out her thoughts and got over the shock.
"I won't forgive them for what they did," Ruth replies softly.
He remained to stare, his teeth beginning to show from a hungry snarl.
"I can only assume you ate the swine and are still hungry, aren't you?"
His lips pull back further, grinning wide at Ruth's sudden tolerance of his barbaric nature.
"You can go back out and get rid of the taste. I'm certain the swine wasn't a succulent meal."
Ruth watches as Pennywise slowly stoops low to come eye level.
"How generous of you," he grins and offers a hand.
She mirrors his grin with a cocked eyebrow. "I've learned the hard way it's a kill or be killed world, Pen."
Ruth then took Pennywise's offered hand, who helped her to stand on her feet. Of course, Ruth grimaces when she took a step forward on the wrong leg and wobbled with a groan.
"They are right, you know. We can't stay here much longer."
Pennywise hums as he considered their options. "I'm certain you have some form of a plan going through that head of yours."
"Of course, I do," she groaned before stumbling.
Pennywise is quick to approach and scooped her into his arms. She doesn't make a fuss.
"Would you care to elaborate?"
"There really isn't much to discuss. I just need to grab something from my room, then get the hell out of here."
Pennywise pauses in his step to glance down at her with a frown.
"Are you sure you want to go in there?" He questions softly.
Ruth's features harden, and her eyes darkened slightly.
"I'm not afraid to see the swine's slain body if that is what you are concerned about," she replies tightly.
"It's not about being afraid of a dead body, Ruth."
She understood then what he meant, but her cold gaze still remained.
"I'll be fine."
Pennywise doesn't buy it but followed her wishes to going there.
They passed the kitchen where Jordan's slain body lay. Ruth cranes her head back to peer inside. Despite the floor turning into the ceiling, the sight of her butchered mother made a chill run-down Ruth's spine. She felt her lips tremble and a new set of tears starting to form, then whimpers.
Pennywise gently nudged her head back and shushed Ruth. She tightens her arms around his neck and nuzzles the lace collar with a sniffle. He pauses briefly and glances down at her with a frown.
"You still want to go in there?"
Ruth doesn't audibly respond, just lightly nodded her head yes.
Pennywise sighs heavily at her insistence but abided by her wishes. He has a feeling of what she is after anyway.
"Then muscle up, buttercup," he advised lightly and with a smirk.
He felt Ruth chuckle and smile.
Several feet away, Ruth and Pennywise approached her bedroom. Ruth timidly gazes into the room where she spots the remains of Jonathan, who resembled a dissected frog, and the inkblot blood pattern, which soiled the floor and bed. She can tell Pennywise was feasting on him from the little sprays on the bed skirt. The few organs with bite marks are a good indicator, as well. Her stomach lurches from the disgusting display but refused to get sick. Ruth clears her throat and wets her tongue. She is not terribly affected by the sight of him as Ruth always imagined Jonathan gutted like the swine he is. However, the carnage left behind is a little different somehow. Gore in horror movies never really fazed Ruth, but this does. She inwardly shakes off the need to vomit and look about the room.
"The swine, as you so nicely put it, left a horrible taste in my mouth. I seldom eat adults as they are hardly afraid these days. That's why children are easy to frighten. Their fear is like salt, making them taste better."
"I know," she replied softly.
Pennywise glanced at her and noticed Ruth's gaze shifting along the walls. She didn't seem fazed by the slaughtered remains of Jonathan but is avoiding the body altogether.
"Do you want to leave now?"
Ruth replies with a shake of her head.
"Can you let me down, please?"
He doesn't know what it is, but Ruth's insistence on being in this room troubled him. Pennywise doesn't know if she is searching for something or has a secret emergency stash stowed away. He tried to pry into her mind for information, but Ruth somehow blocked him from venturing. Her doing so made him slightly agitated, but he refused to say anything when Ruth is already on edge. Anything he might say would undoubtedly cause her to cry. Pennywise doesn't need that.
He actually hates hearing and seeing Ruth cry. It doesn't bother him when other children do. Sometimes their tears of fear enhance the flavor. However, Ruth is different. She won't fear him. Ruth only cries from either getting her feelings hurt, or someone laid physical harm onto her.
Anyone that does hurt her answers to Pennywise.
Ruth's dire situation made him want something better for her. Granted, Pennywise could have looked past her fearlessness and just ate the child. Alas, that didn't happen. He's stepping up in looking after her since Ruth lost trust in Henry Bowers and his gang, along with Mike and Stan.
With a small gentle sigh, Pennywise slowly knelt to let Ruth's feet settle on the floor. He kept a hand on her so she wouldn't topple over. She leaned on him briefly then slowly started through the obstacle course of blood splatters. Ruth unsteadily maneuvered around the slain corpse and almost fell face-first into the open chest cavity. He hears Ruth curse under her breath, which Pennywise smirked from her crass language even her footing. He watched her teeter and struck a pose like The Karate Kid, ready to kick someone in the jaw. Pennywise lightly chuckles, then ultimately decided to give Ruth a hand.
Pennywise levitates Ruth an inch off the floor, which she wobbled in surprise. She glances over at him, gapping with eyes slightly widened.
"Why didn't you do think of doing that before letting me stumble over here?"
He grins mischievously that his eyes sparkled.
"Maybe I wanted to watch you hopple like the graceful swan that you are, Stiff Legs."
Ruth childishly puckers her lips, grabbed a nearby knick-knack, then flung it at him. It ended up colliding into his chest, which caused Pennywise to screw his lips to keep from grinning and watched it crash at his feet.
"Ow, that really hurt," he drones playfully.
"Oh, shut up. You're not exactly graceful yourself, you freaking clod."
Pennywise audibly gawks. "When have I ever tripped and fell over my own shadow?"
Ruth snorts. "Well, you did fall down the stairs once," she mused as a playful smirk crossed her lips.
"Only because you thought my name was cute!"
"Which it is. Oh, what about that time you chased after me and fell into a puddle of mud?"
"I tripped over a log!"
"There was no log or rock or any other object in your path, Penny. You tripped, and you know it."
Pennywise scowled in response. He did, however, release his telekinetic hold on her. She drops to the floor with a slight stumble but managed to regain footing. Ruth glares over at him and stuck her tongue out, which Pennywise mirrors.
He watched Ruth get on all fours and dipped low in an almost seductive manner to crawl underneath her bed. His head followed her movements with a tilt, intrigued by what could be under there. He cautiously stepped around the splattered blood and stopped where Ruth had entered. He hears her shuffling around for a second, then a heaving scraping sounded in the air. Ruth groans and grunts as she heaved something across the floor. A few crass words left her lips, then shoved a black bag out. Pennywise quickly realized the duffle bag of a suitcase is packed full of everything Ruth needs to survive.
Ruth groans as she pushed the bag out some more, exposing its leathery straps for Pennywise to see. He stoops low to pull the rest out, snatched the handle, and slugs it over his shoulder with a slight struggle. The suitcase is heavy but not too terrible for Pennywise to fall backward like in a cartoon show. His lithe frame can handle the load. Although Pennywise did have a difficult time bending to assist Ruth in leaving the underbelly of her bed. He takes her hand, slid Ruth out in one fluid motion then picked her up to carry. Pennywise made sure her right leg was on the outside and not against him. He would hate to cause Ruth discomfort.
Ruth made no sound as he securely settled her in his arms and nuzzled his neck with a soft hum.
"Comfortable?"
"Very," she replied in a whisper.
"Good because I'm not. I could topple over because of your Mount Everest of a bag, plus I'm carrying you. This feels very unnatural of me and bizarre."
"Well, just be glad it's not a girly shade of pink or purple with obnoxious buttons and charms of unicorns and rainbows. You would like even more ridiculous."
Pennywise frowns then glances over his shoulder at the duffle bag. It is awfully masculine for a girl like Ruth when it's black with white lining and a matte gray spider insignia. Except, Pennywise knew she is not by any means girly. Well, to a certain degree. Ruth is not precisely a Tomboy either. She lies somewhere in between, a perfect sophistication with an edge.
"Yeah, thank you for that. Can we leave now?"
Ruth glances at him through the lace of his collar, lightly frowning at his agitation.
"I got what I need, so yes, we can go. Just don't forget the birthday gift at the door."
"Yeah, yeah, I won't."
He carefully maneuvered around the bloodstained floor and out of the bedroom to the front door. Pennywise did make sure to levitate the gift from the floor and had Ruth stuff it into the large duffle bag. As she settled back in a comfortable position in his arms, her eyes closed to rest. Pennywise doesn't see this, nor did Ruth realize what she is doing, but her fingers twitched and mimicked holding a cigarette.
By the time Pennywise returned Ruth home, she was sound asleep. He didn't mind it, though. Ruth needs the rest to regain her strength. She had gone through hell anyway. Pennywise wished he were there a lot sooner to prevent the adults from attacking. Hell, he should have been at the Neibolt House to save Ruth from the imbeciles. Pennywise would certainly like to find those three and give them a real good fright. They deserve it anyway. Unfortunately, he must leave the boys alone. They want to make up for their mistakes.
Good for them, I guess, he thought.
He wonders now if all of the events that led up to this point are for a reason. Maybe, someone is designing Ruth's fate without his knowledge. Pennywise did hear that Bowers listened to some voice in his head. Ruth believes it's the boy's conscious. His gut is telling him it's not. Pennywise has a strange feeling the turtle, Maturin, is involved somehow and wants to investigate. Except, he doesn't want to leave Ruth for an extended period. It will have to wait another time when Ruth is better. Besides, he needs to search for something better tasting. The slaughtered body that was Jonathan left a horrible taste in his mouth.
Ascending the steps, Pennywise glances down at Ruth. She's still very much asleep and lightly snoring. He attempts to smile, only to frown. Her silence coming here provided Pennywise a chance to ponder. The form he took on this evening to save Ruth had memories still after this long. Pennywise was able to see and feel the emotions Ruth's father felt as he laid dying. Rutherford Greyson was his name. People called him "Rutty," and was a famous local artist who loved his newborn daughter. The man would have done just about anything to ensure Ruth's safety. Pennywise uncharacteristically decided to fulfill the father's wish. Why he would is beyond his comprehension. Maybe there is more to him than what meets the eye.
His actions certainly don't help his case. The creature has killed thousands, if not more, of people. The natives from when they discovered him were no exception. They tried to end his existence. He resisted their efforts by slaughtering them to stay alive. Pennywise understands how Ruth sees her world now. Ruth said so earlier, "It's a kill or be killed world." Pennywise will need to prepare himself for a different version of herself. It may be for the better, or it could be for the worse. He would have to wait and see.
He enters one of the rooms on the second floor and eyes the mattress he and Ruth snatched last week. Pennywise saw some grown-ups tossing it when it looked brand new. He knew Ruth could use it for a bed instead of the uncomfortable sofa. They went out that very night to retrieve it and placed the mattress in the bedroom with a decent view of the world. She will be able to see the sky and trees, even the road for possible intruders.
Pennywise sighs heavily as he slowly eased himself down. He intended to set Ruth on the plush mattress, except she clings to him still. She sighs lightly in her sleep, incoherently mumbling. Pennywise groans while prying her hands off him and keeping his balance.
Jeez, she's a freaking barnacle! He thought to himself.
When he finally pried Ruth off his neck and settled her on the mattress, Pennywise stood. He tosses the bag to the side with a loud crashing thud, which surprisingly didn't stir Ruth. It popped open upon impact and revealed some of the contents. His eyes land on the book, which still had the wrapping covering it. He stared for a long moment with a smirk beginning to surface once Pennywise remembered the errand he ran earlier.
With a quick glance at Ruth, Pennywise silently slips out of the room. He has something planned for her.
Pennywise knew he couldn't be gone for too long. He decided to forgo a second meal to rid himself of the horrible taste in his mouth. Besides, he didn't want Ruth to wake up alone, especially when it's her birthday. Pennywise went to the one drop-off he didn't check, which was several blocks away from the house. Pennywise approaches the overgrown bush and shoves the leaves aside, then stares at the cooler with a frown. He stared for a long moment, and with each passing second, his shoulders squared, and muscles tightened around his neck and back. There is a strange tingle going along the curve of his back and pricked at his brain. Pennywise then felt eyes bearing down on him, either from behind or above. He couldn't tell where but someone, in particular, is watching his every move.
He doesn't have to guess now that Maturin is watching him closely and with curiosity. Pennywise puckered his lips and whirls around, hoping he would spot a miniature turtle or some sort of manifestation of him but no such luck. His lips pull back in a snarl, and growls.
"Alright, you prodigious loggerhead, where are you?"
He doesn't receive an answer, only silence.
"Damnit, you galaxy vomiting turtle, answer me! I know you're there!"
When Pennywise has yet to receive a response from his equal arch-nemesis, he growls impatiently then turned his attention to the cooler.
"Fine, don't answer me. I don't want to talk to you anyway," Pennywise grumbles.
He is quick to snatch the contents from within the icebox, slams the lid shut with a muffled snap, then recovers the hole. Pennywise immediately began his trek back to Neibolt and start preparations when a voice eventually filled the air, stopping him in his tracks.
"Hello, Deadlights," a wise and mature grandfather-like voice spoke.
Pennywise growls and pivots to glare at his equal but saw no physical manifestation.
"Argh, for the love of galaxies! Where the hell are you, Maturin?"
"Somewhere near."
"Oh, so you would much rather go unseen then speak to me in person?"
"Better to be unseen then have you try and attack a miniature version of myself."
Pennywise groans then started walking away. "What do you want, Maturin? I'm busy here."
"Then I won't take too much of your time. What exactly are your intentions with the girl?"
He stops in his tracks then turns to the unseen being with a cocked brow.
"With Ruth?"
"Of course, she is the only girl you're associated with. What are your intentions? Or perhaps, what is your agenda?"
"I have no agenda," Pennywise barks with metaphorical feathers ruffling. "I have no ill will towards her. I'm simply here to protect the child and be the friend she needs."
"Why would you?"
"She has no else, Maturin! The girl is alone and has no one to trust for help!"
"What about Mike Hanlon or even Stanley Uris?"
"They are the fools that got her in the predicament she was in almost half an hour ago."
"The boys shouldn't be the ones to be blamed for what happened to Ruth, Deadlights. It was inevitable and unfortunate, and I sympathize with her. I know Ruth went through a great deal and deserves to have someone to look up to for guidance."
"And you don't think I can?"
"I'm not so sure you can."
"Well," Pennywise starts to consider his argument. "I have to at least try, Maturin. I'm the only person she trusts right now."
"Are you sure you're the only one?"
"What does that supposed to mean? Of course, I'm the only one."
Maturin's sigh fills the air and most likely shaking his head.
"It's pointless arguing with you. If you are certain you can help Ruth, then, by all means, do what you can."
"Thank you," Pennywise growls the begun to walk away when Maturin stops him.
"I'm not done, Deadlights. While you have the best intentions for the child, I must warn you that your relationship with her will not last forever."
Pennywise stiffens, his neck tightens, and his shoulders squared with lips pursing and nose flared. If he didn't have groceries in his hands, they would undoubtedly curl into trembling fists.
"Yes, it will," he argues with a growl.
"Pardon?"
"My friendship with Ruth will last, Maturin!"
"You only established one this very evening."
"Does it really matter when? Now leave me be and go choke on a galaxy you vomited, you prodigious loggerhead."
Maturin chuckles, "That's an interesting insult and extensive vocabulary, Deadlights."
Pennywise growls, "Shut up. I will remain friends with Ruth. You'll see."
"It won't last," Maturin insisted gravelly.
Pennywise snarls, glaring in the direction he believes the blasted turtle is. "I will make it so!"
There is a long pause before Maturin spoke again. "I understand your need for companionship with the child, I do, but you must realize something. Anything you gain is not a guarantee. You will eventually fall, Deadlights, and you will break her heart."
Pennywise said nothing. He took a moment to consider the possibility of his and Ruth's newly acquired friendship not lasting as Maturin implied. The thought of his relationship with the young girl not lasting worried him. Pennywise never thought he would gain anything in life, especially a companion such as Ruth. He's supposed to scorn mankind and be unsusceptible to the human heart. Yet, Deadlights, the Eater of Worlds, displays affection towards one human child. A girl who never felt loved before by anyone or shared such emotion. How does one love another when neither felt such a thing? Because of Ruth, Pennywise is beginning to understand the principle of love and kindness.
He sighs heavily then regarded the invisible turtle with a frowning pout and his gaze soft.
"Well, we certainly can't let that happen, now can we? She's already been through enough, Maturin, and doesn't need any more heartache, especially after this evening. And if there were such a person for Ruth to trust, then draw them in her direction. I'm certain she would like to have someone else in her company then just me. Let me take care of her for a year."
"Why a year?"
"Well, for one, if I go into hibernation like I'm supposed to, Ruth won't get to experience a thrilling Halloween or a festive Christmas, or any other major holiday with a friend. I know I haven't. Hell, there's probably a few other girl things Ruth would like to enjoy with someone around."
There is a long pause from Maturin. Long enough for Pennywise to question if the turtle is still there.
"Uh, Maturin?"
"So," Maturin draws out in astonishment. "Your reasoning to stay friends with Ruth is to resend kindness and for her to experience things with you first?"
Pennywise hesitates for a second but answers honestly. "Well, yeah. Why not? She was kind to me, so I should return the gesture."
"Because she expects it?"
"No, I'm doing so because I want to, Maturin. She shouldn't expect anything in return, but Ruth does deserve some form of positive affection."
Maturin goes quiet again, which only irritated Pennywise to no end.
"Well? Do you have anything to say?"
"I really don't have much more to say. I'm just quite surprised at your willingness to make things better for the girl considering your true nature. Either way, I informed you of my concerns and am aware of your intentions. I wish you the best, brother. I'll let you have your year with Ruth."
Pennywise puckered his lips and furrowed his brows.
"But?" He questioned.
"I do have one condition," Maturin replies.
"And what would that be? Not eat a child that whole year?"
"That would not be feasible and will only weaken you further from prolonging your hibernation. I may disagree with what you do, but I can't have you die while Ruth is under your care. I will allow one child each season, and I will decide when you will feed. Do we have a bargain?"
Pennywise thought about it for a moment. One child each season would give him four, which won't be too bad for him. He already had his summer fill. So, Maturin will inform him when he could hunt for his autumn meal, which will be towards the end of September or just before winter. Pennywise can deal with that.
"Yes, we have a bargain. Can I go now? I have some decorating to do."
"Decorating?"
Pennywise doesn't explain himself, just resumed his trek to Neibolt, where Ruth lay sleeping. He left like a blur, leaving Maturin to gap from within the tall grass just several feet away from where Pennywise stood.
Once Pennywise arrived back, he quickly ascends the steps and pokes his head around the corner. He sees Ruth on her side but couldn't tell if she is awake or not. Pennywise silently hums, debating if he should call out to her or lightly toss something to determine Ruth's status. Doing either will certainly wake her, and Pennywise doesn't want that. Instead, he silently crept close and quietly peers over Ruth's narrow shoulder. She is asleep, but there is an uncomfortable curve on her lips. Ruth is sleeping on her right side, putting pressure on her wounded leg. Pennywise doesn't doubt the wounds reopened or are lightly bleeding through the gauze.
He screws his lips, then gently repositions Ruth to lay on her back. Pennywise quickly checks her leg to find no blood at her covered wounds, which he is glad there were no problems. He quietly reaches for a nearby blanket and covers Ruth's sleeping form, tucking her in warmth. Pennywise watched her briefly before silently leaving her side to make preparations.
He doesn't necessarily need to be quick about it, but Pennywise does want to have them complete before Ruth wakes. Pennywise just hopes she doesn't stir and sees him decorating the room. He wants this to be a surprise for her and a first, even if it is last minute. Pennywise actually would have liked all of it done before Ruth had returned home from her supply run. Alas, it didn't go according to plan, but he still has his opportunity.
He worked hard and quickly while putting up the decorations yet remained as quiet as possible. Every so often, Pennywise would glance over at Ruth to make sure she hasn't stirred. Thankfully, each time she never did but had moved in her sleep. Ruth had rolled onto her right side again at one point, which caused the poor girl to groan. Pennywise had repositioned her to ensure she didn't put any unnecessary discomfort on herself without knowing. By the time he finished hanging streamers and a banner, Pennywise got to work in blowing up fourteen colorful balloons instead of his usual red. He even had a little fun with it, too. Pennywise just made sure not to disturb Ruth while imitating high-pitched voices for his amusement. Once that was finished and had his entertainment, Pennywise set a couple of small gifts for Ruth to see upon waking.
After all the preparations were set, along with the small birthday gifts, Pennywise squatted off to the side and watched Ruth sleep. Not in a creepy manner, mind you, just observed her chest rising and falling while listening to Ruth's light purring. His mind wandered, pondering on how he could outlast a year with her on Maturin's terms and what they could do to make the best out of it. A few things came to mind, even some extravagant gestures, which will undoubtedly put a smile on Ruth's face. Pennywise wants to give Ruth the best, especially when he clearly sees a strong ally out of the girl. Pennywise never thought he would need one. Except, her showing him kindness is a gift in its own right and demonstrates a willingness Pennywise appreciates greatly. He just has to wonder how far Ruth is willing to go to show her devotion. Putting her to the test would only show his insecurities and threaten their newfound relationship. He decided to let things happen as they come and not do anything rational.
Pennywise heaves a breath then tore his eyes off her to stare out the window. Ruth has been sleeping well over an hour now, which she needs after exerting herself to survive. If she slept in a little while longer, it wouldn't bother him any, just as long as Ruth wakes before midnight so they could celebrate her birthday.
He sat there in the dark, surrounded by lime and lavender streamers with multi-colored balloons gently bobbing around for another reasonable hour. Pennywise patiently waited, soundlessly and motionlessly staring out the cracked window at the diamonds scattered across the navy black. His mind barely wandered, and his eyes drifted off into the abyss of darkness.
It is nearly ten o'clock when Pennywise heard a small sound coming from Ruth. He snapped his gaze in her direction, hoping she was waking from her slumber. Ruth didn't stir, but she is moving around and moaning in her sleep. He noticed her eyes flicking from beneath closed lids, and ticks in her features alerted Pennywise she is dreaming. Pennywise can see the events from earlier are already haunting her mind and are creating false illusions. He wished he had been there to prevent all of it from happening. However, if none of it did, Ruth would have never known what had happened to her father, who her mother and uncle really were, or him realizing his affections for the girl.
Maturin made this happen for a reason.
Ruth suddenly jerks from her sleep, gasping sharply, and shot up from the mattress, lightly panting.
Pennywise gently frowns from a touch of fear in the room, along with the distress in Ruth's gaze as she stared at the cotton fabric of the blanket. He quietly moves across the room to Ruth's side then places a hand on her shoulder. She flinches slightly from his touch but welcomed it once Ruth got her bearings. She sighs heavily, then glances at him with a frown adorning her lips.
"I'm okay," she whispers coldly.
No, you're not, Pennywise wanted to say but thought otherwise.
He observed her for a moment, noting the lifelessness in her earthy eyes, including the cold detachment. Pennywise knew something like this would happen. Ruth killing her mother altered her mindset. Her comment from earlier should have been a red flag because Ruth's personality is already starting to change in such a short amount of time. At least, he is prepared for it and has a remedy to turn Ruth's frown right-side-up.
"You sure?"
She nods sagely, then turned her gaze on him and feigned a small smile.
"I never got to tell you earlier," Ruth started but is startled slightly by Pennywise snapping his fingers with a big grin.
"Oops, sorry, but I have something for you that will make that smile a little brighter."
"Like what?" Her voice is soft and lacked enthusiasm.
He just grins then motions to the floor with a nod of his head.
Ruth eyed him suspiciously, then glances down at the darkened floor. She blinks at first before they widened at the small yet thoughtful gifts. Her fingers reach down to examine one of them, which is a bottle of perfume. Curious, Ruth opens the package to spritz her wrist and lightly sniffs. Her nostrils are filled with a light yet warm scent of vanilla and delicate rose.
A smile crosses her lips then hums lightly from the pleasant smell.
"That smells pretty," she whispers, her tone gaining some warmth.
Ruth turned her attention to the other small gift, a manicure care set, and a nail polish bottle in some mysterious color. Her smile falters slightly, then glanced at Pennywise with a slight gasp.
"Wait, did you get these for me?" Ruth questioned in awe.
"I did," he answers, grinning wildly.
"You, you did? I thought you went out searching for a kid to feed on."
Pennywise continued to grin then threw a dismissive wave. "Nah, I forewent a second meal this evening."
"Why? What did you go to do then?"
"Well, for one, your birthday shouldn't end on a sour note, Ruth."
Ruth sighed with a gentle smile and skewed her head slightly. "You didn't have to do anything for me, you know."
"I know, but I wanted to. Now, close your eyes, close your eyes," Pennywise urges excitedly.
Ruth stared, startled yet confused. "Why?"
"Come on, Freckles, just close them," he insists, covering them himself with a hand.
"Alright, what sort of scary thing are you transforming into?" Ruth questioned, slightly unamused.
"What makes you think I am?"
She smirked softly when he pulled his hand away to do something. Ruth tried to open her eyes, but Pennywise kept her from doing so.
"Nah uh, no, lookie," he exclaims lightly and covers her eyes again.
Ruth pouts with a groan. "You never ask me to close my eyes, Pen. I can only assume you want to give me a daily fright in some gnarly form despite it being my birthday. Even though it is the shittiest one I've ever had."
"Well, I'm going to make this day not so shitty, as you put it. Now keep your eyes closed."
He removes his hand and starts messing around again. Ruth kept her eyes closed this time but lightly bounced in her spot and smirked.
"Although, if you do want to give me a real good scare, that creature thing from Slither will certainly freak me out."
Pennywise laughs, "I'm not going to scare you," he starts while grinning. "Thanks for the tip, though."
After a moment of messing around, Pennywise holds something out for Ruth, and a soft glow lit the room.
"Alright, you can open your eyes now," he encourages, grinning wide.
Ruth is hesitant, but she opens them. Her jaw slacked slightly, and her eyes dazzled to life from lights filling colorful balloons of red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Their hue cast against the darkened walls and tinted her fair creamy skin. Ruth then saw the bright foiled letters saying "Happy Birthday," hanging in a gentle downward curve. Beneath it is another banner with her name written on it in purple paint. Not only did he create a beautiful display of streamers, lighted balloons, and banners, there is also a flickering flame of a candle. Pennywise presented her with something she never had before but always wanted to try. Jordan and Jonathan insisted that sweets were terrible for her, so Ruth never had the luxury of having cake or cookies, not even cupcakes or muffins. Of course, this is not a birthday cake. She won't be able to eat all of it before it dried out. Instead, Pennywise held in his palm a cupcake with white frosting and a single lit candle. Ruth can see its rich crimson color from the little glow and the colorful bobbing balloons that it's a red velvet cupcake.
"Happy Birthday, Ruth."
Pennywise watched as her bright, genuine, and infectious smile spread across her lips. No matter what mood Ruth is in, Pennywise always manages to make her beam. Ruth truly is her happiest with him. He goes to say something but couldn't get it out when Ruth flings herself at him. Her arms encircle his chest, hugging him tightly. Pennywise can feel her smile through the fabric of his suit. He doesn't hesitate in returning the favor yet is being mindful of the cupcake in his palm.
"Thank you, Pen," Ruth whispers. "Not just for saving me or the birthday surprise, but for everything. Thank you for being such a good friend to me."
It was his turn to smile and proudly.
"Your welcome, Ruth."
Ruth relinquishes her hold around him to adjust herself in his encircled arms and laid against his chest. She stares at the beautiful display Pennywise created, then at the cupcake with her big grin still.
"Now, how did you obtain this sweet and tasty miniature cake?"
"It's not important," Pennywise replies with a dismissive wave. "But before you blow out the candle, I have one more thing to do."
Her brows furrow and her smile faltered into a pout.
"What else is there?"
Pennywise doesn't say it in a few short words but through song.
"Happy Birthday to you," Pennywise started to sing.
Ruth sat in between his long legs, eyeing the birthday cupcake with a smile spreading on her lips. Tears started to well in her eyes when she remembered her Swedish stalker singing to her like Pennywise is now. She thought his gesture was sweet with the added kiss on her forehead, but Pennywise went above and beyond in making her birthday seem better after the shit storm Ruth went through earlier. Ruth, in a way, wished he were here to celebrate with her and Pennywise. Although she has to wonder if the guy is actually Pennywise in disguise. Ruth doesn't want to believe that, though. They seem like completely different people. But what if? What if Pennywise is her stalker?
Pennywise finished the song while Ruth was in her head, bringing it closer for her to blow out the candle.
"Make a wish," Pennywise instructs softly and with a smile.
He did slightly startle her but refused to show him that Ruth was lost in her head. She eyes the delicious dessert for a moment, considering. Ruth already got her birthday wish, two to be exact. Her safe place and a friend. What more can she want? It clicked within seconds of what it could be.
I wish this will last forever…
With a quick, sharp exhale, Ruth blows out her first candle.
… and find love, she added.