A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I'm sorry it took me so long to update. Since the beginning of the year, a lot has been going on that I hardly had time to sit down and write. Plus, there were some instances where I felt stuck on a scene.
It's going to take some time to get chapter 23 posted. So, please sit tight.
Anyway, please enjoy the read, and reviews are always appreciated.
And be kind to one another!
Update 05/25/2021: I went through and fixed a few errors.
It sounded like a thunderstorm. The heavy footsteps parading around the supposed empty Greyson house filled the silence like the muffled rolling and loud booms of bowling pins crashing in the clouds. The occasional crashes of shattering glass would follow as if lightning was conjured from within the tainted walls, and faint wind of whispers tickled at Ruth's ears, alerting her and the stalker of trespassers.
Ruth stared out into the hall with eyes widened, along with a breath caught in her throat.
The Clark Brothers.
They are a harsh reminder of the complete terror, worthlessness, and hopelessness life Ruth had before. Every single pink scar flared open and burned like a hot poker, branding her skin anew. An unforgiving cold prickle ran along the length of her spine, creating tremors to quake within Ruth's petite body. Her still fragile mind backpedaled to the demeaning assault she had endured two years before. Even their ghostly touches resurfaced at her inner thighs. The things they said were nasty and degrading, which ultimately pushed Ruth to the brink of tears. Their laughter echoed like wildfire in her mind at the sight of her helpless self.
After the encounter, Ruth remembers going home without even caring if Jordan or Jonathan saw her in tears. They would brush her off like they usually did. Except, it was different somehow. Jordan was not doped up or drunk that evening, and Jonathan was out. Her mother was relaxing in the living room when she saw Ruth walk in the door with tears streaming down her face and fresh bruises adorning her cheeks and arms.
"What the hell kind of trouble did you get yourself into this time," her mother had asked.
Ruth couldn't answer her straight away, which ultimately angered Jordan to push herself off the couch and storm in Ruth's direction.
"Do you have a mouth or not? Answer me this instant, you fucking nuisance."
She struggled at first but eventually blurted out, "The Clark Brothers," before crumbling to the floor and hugged herself.
Ruth wished she hadn't broken down like that; it had shown her weakness. She hated crying in front of her mother. Strangely though, Jordan became a different person at that moment. Ruth remembers the gentleness in her voice, even Jordan's fingers touching her inflamed cheeks, in which Ruth winces.
"They did this to you?"
Ruth grimaced and nods.
"Did they touch you?" Jordan had growled, which startled Ruth at the time.
She nodded her head in response.
Jordan didn't say anything. She just gently took Ruth by the arm and guided her to the front door then the car. She silently drove Ruth where the brothers resided and commanded her to remain in the vehicle. Ruth watched her mother gracefully approach their home, rang the doorbell, and waited. Once Jax opened the door, Jordan barraged him with vicious punches to the head and jaw, even kneed him in the groin. She didn't stop there, though.
Jordan beat him senselessly while proceeding to yell, "You do not touch my daughter, you fucking swine," until he couldn't move. She had done the same onto Dre once he stumbled upon the scene.
Jordan left the two brothers at their doorstep, beaten but alive. When she returned to the car, Jordan refused to make eye contact with Ruth, which was fine by her. She had watched her mother snatch a nearby rag and wiped at the blood on her knuckles. Ruth said not a word to Jordan. She did, however, turn away to glare at the sight of the severely injured siblings and unknowingly smiled, which didn't go unseen.
"And what are you smiling about?"
Ruth's grin vanished in an instant and shrunk at her mother's icy glare.
"Nothing," she murmurs.
"Good."
Jordan intended to leave at the moment after tossing the bloodstained rag in the backseat but stopped from a passing thought.
"Has this happened before?"
Startled, Ruth glanced at her mother with a tremble.
"No, not like this."
Jordan's eyes narrowed, and her head skews slightly.
"What does that supposed to mean?"
Ruth turned away to glance at the unconscious brothers, remembering her first encounter with them. Jax and Dre antagonized Ruth like they had done earlier but never attempted to touch or bruise her. The brothers just made derogatory remarks and shoved her around some before leaving.
"I ran into them once before. They just made nasty remarks and shoved me around some but put no physical harm on me. I'm thinking they were testing boundaries."
"Well, they went too far this time. If by any chance those fucking pricks try anything else with you, knee them in the groin, and hard enough for one their balls to burst. Now, if I had a bat, I would do much more to those animals," she mumbles the last bit to herself.
Ruth chanced a glance at her mother, noticing a little glimmer in Jordan's eyes but dared not to ask. She then returned her gaze on the brothers to find one of them moving.
"Will you show me how?" Ruth had questioned, then turned back to Jordan.
Jordan didn't say anything at first. She may even be startled by the question. She glanced over at the door, noticing the bigger of the siblings, Dre, stumbling up. Jordan turned to Ruth and just stared as if contemplating if she should or not. After an intense moment, Jordan heaves a soundless sigh, then gently smiled and motioned for Ruth to follow.
Ruth obediently followed, hiding her anxious smile as she and Jordan approached the unsuspecting victim.
She wouldn't admit it at the time, but that was the one moment Jordan seemed like a mother to her. Jordan held Dre up for Ruth and mimicked what she had done earlier and with verbal instruction. Ruth mirrored her mother's movements, delivered a brutal hit to the man's groin with a yell, and even threw in a cuss word for added effect. Ruth knew she struck him hard since tears formed in the corner of his eyes and whimpered. Jordan had actually grinned down at Ruth and didn't even care about the colorful string of swears spewing from Ruth's mouth or the fact Ruth punted the fallen man in the gut. After her assault and the rewarded banana split sundae, both Ruth and Jordan returned home.
Unfortunately, the brothers never learned their lesson. They continued their harassment whenever they had a chance and would fail to report their encounters. Jordan had to beat them severely several times when Ruth's kicks to their groins didn't deter them.
Ruth doesn't have Jordan anymore to provide her the confidence she needs to render the two motionless for her and the stalker to escape. They are trapped anyway.
Her arms tightened around her stalker's neck, almost suffocating him from the mere thought of the two animals catching them in here. She knows one of the two brothers will keep the guy away and grapple with him while the other did as he pleased with Ruth. She does not want that to happen, especially when her friendship with the stranger is starting to blossom.
She lightly whimpered and whispered softly in the man's ear.
"Don't let them near me."
The stalker caught the urgency in her voice, even felt Ruth tremble in his arms. He cautiously settled Ruth back on the floor and pried her arms away, then started towards the door with the intent of hurting someone or maybe even kill them. The intensity in his eyes slightly unnerved her, but she needed to stop him from doing anything.
"No, no," Ruth whispered low enough for only him to hear. "Please don't."
The stalker glances down at her and looks Ruth in the eye, visually telling her, "I won't allow them to lay a hand on you, Ruth."
Ruth followed suit in having a silent conversation, pleading with him to not go after them.
The stalker's eyes widened expectedly, and he breathed raggedly.
She stared in the stranger's eyes for some form of comfort to help ease the sudden bubble of fear within her gut but saw none, which disappointed her to a degree. All Ruth knows is that she doesn't like the situation they are in, and getting caught by the Clark brothers will end in disaster. Of course, Pennywise could do something to get them out of it. Except she knew he can't afford to unveil himself to an outsider.
Ruth quickly weighed out the options in her head as she continued to stare up at the handsome stalker, who continued to glare at her expectedly. Escaping out of the window is out of the question, that's for sure. They will be heard as the window creaks and rattles when opened. They could hide in the closet, except there is not enough cover to conceal themselves. Ruth had an 'aha' moment when she remembered crawling under her bed to grab the emergency bag a month ago. She and her stalker can crawl under the former masters of the houses' bed and hide.
She makes a quick nod over to the bed, which he follows her gaze. Ruth doesn't see this, but the guy smiles crookedly then returns to stare down at her. He gestures for her to gather the dog and to get under, then started for the closet.
Ruth snatches a fistful of his light jean jacket, stopping him from venturing further.
He viciously snaps his gaze on her, which made Ruth shrink from the intensity in his eyes. When the stalker realized he frightened Ruth, he quickly reassures her with a gentle touch to Ruth's brow. His eyes softened some and flashed her a caring, sympathetic smile.
She returns the gesture herself but wondered what he is doing once the stalker turned away again. Ruth watched him stoop then rummaged around in the closet. It dawned on her he is searching for a bag to gather all the evidence Ruth needs to bring for the police. He is doing quick work, too, and silently.
Ruth did what she was told and gently picked up Pennywise, who unfortunately can't revert to his clown self. He can't reveal his identity to the nameless stalker, nor could Pennywise transform into anything else to get them out of this predicament. Disappearing on them would also raise questions. So, he is stuck in this form until he has his chance and without the eyes of an outsider.
Damnit, this is annoying, Pennywise thought to himself.
He glances up at Ruth, who seemed on edge like she should, then over at the stranger. Pennywise watched as the young man snatched a faux-leather purse then slides the contents from within the safe inside.
The last thing Pennywise saw was the stranger glancing over at the door, then at Ruth, who eased herself underneath the bed. Ruth held onto him near her chest, which he can tell she is freaking out from the tremble quaking her body. He tried to look up at her to reassure Ruth the best he could but is impossible to do. Instead, he forced his way into Ruth's head, which startled her.
"It's okay, Ruth. If they ever do come close to finding you, I'll maul them. You're safe," Pennywise says while keeping his eyes out into the room and near the bedroom door.
"For the time being. What if?" Ruth starts to question but pauses.
Both Pennywise and Ruth heard the footsteps padding down the hall and towards the master bedroom.
"Shit," Ruth barely whispered to herself.
Ruth looks in the direction of the closet, hoping to see her stalker easing himself underneath the bed. Unfortunately, she can hear him still in the wardrobe.
"You continue looking around out here," one of the brothers starts as he thundered down the hall. "I'm checking the master."
Ruth begins to panic once the footsteps got closer and her friend close to getting caught. She opens her mouth to call out for him but stopped. If Ruth did, the brothers would find out they are not the only ones in the house. She doesn't want to give them away. Ruth needs to be smart about this and figure out how to get out of here without the brothers knowing. She silently turns herself around to face the closet's direction, catching sight of the stalker finishing grabbing the contents from within the safe. He glances in her direction, where Ruth urgently waves him down and gestures to get under. The stalker turned his gaze to the doorway and saw one of the brothers come into his line of vision.
"Shit," she heard him whisper harshly.
He quickly ducks down, then begun to creep towards the bed but stops from a voice.
"Hey," the voice boomed from behind him.
Ruth's eyes widened fearfully and gapped.
The stalker is caught.
He grew rigid and just stared at Ruth, as did she.
"Dre!" Jax yelled from down the hall.
"What?"
"Come here!"
"What for?"
"Duh, I found something. Come check it out."
"Alright, alright, I'm coming," Dre sighs.
The stalker watched the built man turn away from the doorframe, completely missing the stalker on all fours and frozen in place. He waited a couple of seconds for Dre to return, but he never did. The stalker soundlessly whistles from holding a breath, then crept across the floor to the bed where Ruth waited in silent relief. He hands off the purse to her before crawling under and close to Ruth's trembling body.
"Holy shit, that was close," he exhaled in a whisper.
"Too close. Dre would have killed you if he saw you."
The stalker lightly scuffs with a cocky grin.
"I doubt the loggerhead will. I've dealt with men his size before, so don't fret, sweetheart."
"Rather you have or not, those two get into more brawls than the men from the A-Team. They're ruthless pigs, sweetheart."
He wanted to laugh but thought the better of it. Instead, he shoots Ruth a reassuring smile and lightly caresses her cheek.
"I assure you there won't be a need for me to face either of them, even though I would like to. We just need to stay under here until they leave."
Ruth softly smiles and reaches to touch his face, mimicking his caresses.
"I wonder how long that would be."
"Hopefully for a while. This is actually kind of nice."
"Which part? Being cramped underneath a bed like a couple of dust bunnies or snuggling up with a cute teenager?"
"What do you think, beautiful?"
The stalker grins and flashes her a wink.
Ruth answers with a smirk and pink gracing her cheeks. She eyes him affectionately, as did he. They stared at one another in comfortable silence, despite the noises from down the hall. They didn't seem to pay attention anyway. Ruth and her stalker imagined the sounds as a thunderstorm rumbling overhead and are getting cozy under a soft, warm blanket. Time seemed to have slowed for them as they stared into each other's eyes. Eventually losing themselves in their own little world where nothing is dragging them down. There is no negativity or challenges in their wake, just vast and wide mirror-smooth glass waters.
It was quiet between them for a few moments when the stalker decides to break it.
"I really like you, Ruth," he professes softly.
She doesn't say anything, just smiles that her dimples show. Ruth looks him in the eye, debating if she should act on her impulse or not. She really doesn't want to contradict herself, but the moment feels right. Ruth was slightly disappointed he didn't kiss her earlier, but this feels different. Her stalker, who has yet to reveal his name, admitted he liked her. Ruth can tell he wants to follow through in kissing her from the longing in his gaze. So, why disappoint?
Ruth silently sighs then drew close. The stalker mirrored her movements. His fingers caressed her cheek and into the soft curls of her hair. Their breaths mingled like a zephyr dance, hesitant still in pursuing their goal. Except, they know what they want despite the age difference. Besides, it's just one kiss.
Their lips were centimeters from making contact this time, but their tender moment is interrupted yet again. From down the hall, Dre's voice rattled the walls, and something crashes to the floor, forcing them apart.
"Damnit, Jackson! You brought me in here for this bullshit?"
Ruth snaps her gaze to the open door in alarm as it came from her old bedroom. She has to wonder what they could have uncovered in there.
"Hey! I thought it would be of value, asshole. The little skank has a lot of secrets, to begin with, and this girly piece of shit would have given us a clue of where to look."
Both Ruth and the stalker stared at the doorframe with brows knitting close. They remained silent as the two brothers conversed.
"I get it! It was still a waste of time. I didn't need to know how horrible the stupid little slut felt about her parents were abusing her," Dre mocked. "Hell, I didn't even care about the damn rabbit. Let's just find what we're looking for and get the fuck out of this dump."
"Then why don't we just burn the fucking place? Whatever Bowers wants will be taken care of then. Plus, we wouldn't even be here looking around."
"What are you nuts? He'll have our asses, you idiot."
Jax sighs heavily as he, along with Dre, entered the master bedroom.
Both Ruth and the stalker shifted backward once one of the brothers came inches away from the bed. Ruth had almost gasped if he hadn't lightly shushed her with a hand covering her mouth. The stalker kept his eyes on the two pairs of legs fiercely. Ruth can see the gears turning on how they could escape the predicament they are in now.
"Come on, man. I'm tired of being here already," Jax whined, then plopped onto the mattress with a satisfied grunt. "Ahh, that's more like it."
Ruth and the stalker silently flinched when the boxspring bobbed, along with the frame.
"Damnit, Jax, get your ass off that bed."
"Pfft, like hell I am. If you hadn't noticed, there isn't much to look at in here."
"Just get your ass off that nasty bed and help me look."
Jax groans, reluctant but follows his brother's request.
"Fine," he moans, then rolled himself off the bed. "Where do you want me to look?"
"Where else is there? Look in the closet, dipshit."
Jax remained silent, as if keeping a remark to himself, then approached the open closet. His heavy brown boots slowed to a stop and peered inside. His cold cornflower blues scanned the semi-darkness critically as if deciphering a code. A corner of his lip screwed, then rested a hand on the frame. Jackson remembers coming here once before without his brother's knowledge and rummaged through the closet. He knows every inch and what should belong where. Jax quickly noticed Jordan's favorite handbag is missing, even caught sight of torn carpeting.
He flicks his gaze off the carpet towards his almost identical brother. They are similar in certain aspects: sharp, square jaws, Aquilian noses fit for a Roman god, and menacing sky-colored eyes. The only difference is their hair. Jax has short, spiked blond hair similar to Jordan's but slightly darker. Dre's is a dirty blond that looks more of a light brown and is long. It's long enough for Dre to pull it into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. Many would think Dre was queer because of it, but he really isn't. The burly-built man loves the women and has many relations with them.
On the other hand, Jax doesn't have many to sleep around except for the second-degree whore Angela. He would have preferred Ruth's mother Jordan if she wasn't involved with the buffoon Jonathan. Well, if Jackson had known the two were actually siblings, he would have had a chance to get together with her despite their history and occasional beatings. Hell, if it weren't for Butch also being one of her many bedmates, he would have made a move on her, but the stupid idiot guy still has lingering feelings towards Jordan.
That's why he and his brother are here now. They are looking for what Jackson believes to be evidence of Jordan's supposed deception. It's not that Butch wants to know what provoked her to lie about having Greyson as her last name. It's not revealing anything else about her. The brothers and Butch already know she has more dark secrets hidden somewhere and needs to find them. Once they do, Butch will see to it that the evidence is destroyed.
He turns away from his brother to stare into the closet, then down at the torn carpet. Jackson has a feeling Jordan was smart enough to hide essential documents from plain view and has what they need beneath his shoes. After seeing the floor being tampered with, it caused some red flags. Jackson firmly believes he and Dre are not the only ones in the house or someone has already been here.
He silently hums then flipped a piece of the torn carpet to reveal the safe. Jackson examined it critically before snapping his gaze back on Dre, who, to Jax's disgust, has his schnoz in the satin fabric of Jordan's panties and inhaled deeply.
"Ugh, what the fuck are you doing, sicko? Get your damn nose away from her underpants."
Dre grunts, then toss the underwear back in the drawer with a little pink gracing his cheeks.
"Shit, I didn't think you would see me. I thought you were looking around in the closet?"
"I was until I discovered you sniffing my fantasy girl's underwear."
"Oh, shut up already! Did you find anything?"
"Yeah, I did," Jackson replies, then glances at the bed.
Draven glared at him expectantly with a purse of his lips and nose flaring like a raging bull.
"Well, what did you find?"
Jackson stared his brother in the eye as a frown chiseled onto his lips.
"I don't think we're alone."
Dre eyed his brother curiously, then at the bottom edge of the metal frame. A corner of his mouth curved into a slight smile once he caught wind of Jackson's motives.
"Nah, we're the only ones here, dumbass. If we weren't, the fucking little slut would have come out by now. We both know the skank is a fighter at heart and dumb. I'm sure the whore's daughter could use some attention by now anyway."
"Oh, I'm sure the skank does," Jackson states, then starts around the bed. "Little Miss Whiney could use a lot of attention since she is alone here and with no friends. Now that her dear ole uncle deflowered her already, she'd be good to go and wouldn't be screaming as much."
Underneath the bed, the stalker glared icily at Jackson's boots, and lips drew together in a tight line. His fingers curled to form a trembling fist and made an attempt to crawl out. Except, Ruth prevented him from doing anything. She kept him there and stared into his eyes, begging him to stay put and ignore their comments.
He made it clear to Ruth that the brothers shouldn't be talking about her in that fashion. The stalker wants to hurt them gravely and to the point of begging for mercy.
She understood completely, but they had to be smart about this. Especially since Jackson believes he and his brother are not alone in the house.
The stalker knew Ruth is right, but he knew something terrible is about to come out of this. He desperately wanted to take action and protect the girl he is growing to love. The stalker can't remember the last time he protected anyone except for himself. His complicated lifestyle is close to entwining with Ruth's, and he has to keep her safe. Drastic measures have to be taken to do that. He watched intently as Jackson got closer to the bed and got onto his knees.
Ruth held a breath once she realized they are about to be caught. Her back stiffened, and her eyes widened to the point of tearing up. She can feel her chest constricting, and her breath began to labor silently as she can hear Jackson bending to peer under the bed. Her fingers curl and uncurl and trembled violently against the floorboard. Apparently, her stalker can feel how tense she is and the tremble quaking her body. He gently took her hand into his then nudged Ruth slightly for her to look at him. Her frightened gaze met his intense emeralds, reassuring Ruth the best he can while still evaluating the situation.
Neither could say anything or formulate a plan when Jackson's smooth, deep voice filled their ears.
"Here's Jackie," Jackson mocked with a grin. "Come here you!"
Jackson reached for Ruth, snatched her by the hair, and tugged. A startled scream escapes her lips as the average-built adult started dragging Ruth out from underneath the bed. The stalker swiftly reacted by wrapping his arms around her chest, hugging Ruth tightly, and kicked at Jackson's face, who rightfully grunts from impact.
The stalker wasn't the only one that sprung into action. Pennywise, who had been sitting off towards the side assessing the circumstances himself, charged. He barreled at Jackson with his canines and piranha-like teeth exposed, then viciously clamped his jaw onto the man's wrist. His eyes glowed a menacing gold once he heard Jackson's sharp cry of pain enter his eardrums and squirmed against the floorboards.
You will not touch her!
Pennywise's swift action resulted in Jackson releasing his grip on Ruth's hair. He thought about letting go and watch the scum propel backward but went with his better judgment to mutilate Jackson's hand. He can smell fear starting to seep into the adult's veins as he growled deeply and shook his head violently. Jackson's screams filled his ears, making Pennywise grow excited.
Yes! Fear me, you insolent swine!
"God, fuck! You mother fucking mutt! Let go!"
Jackson tried shaking off the dog, but Pennywise refused to let go. His temporary canine mouth remained clamped on his victim's wrist.
"Gah, damnit! Fuck this, come here, you little slut!"
Jackson scrambled as he reached for Ruth yet again despite Pennywise clamped at his wrist. He snatches Ruth by the band of her jeans and viciously yanks her away from the stalker. Pennywise immediately redirected his attention on Jackson's arm, forcing the man to loosen his grip on Ruth. She squirms away and towards her stalker, who had already emerged out from the bed but stayed out of Draven's sight.
Once Ruth came close to crawling into the open, the stalker blocks her then whispers.
"Don't come out," he instructed.
She opened her mouth to question him but never got a chance. The stalker stood sharply and rushed at Draven, who rounded the bed to assist Jackson in snatching Ruth. Despite his tall, semi-muscular build, the stalker spears Draven and collides into the wall.
Ruth watched as he and Draven crashed to the floor. Unfortunately, Draven quickly recovered from the attack and countered tenfold. The two squared off as if they were in the streets outside a bar throwing punches. The sounds of their fists colliding against one another made Ruth sick to her stomach. She is unsure what the ending result will be but doesn't doubt it won't be pretty. One of the two males will be sporting some pretty nasty bruises, along with blood coming from either, if not both, their mouth and nose.
She turns her gaze away to see how Pennywise is faring. He is still clamped onto Jackson's wrist, shredded beyond recognition, and with a pool of blood surrounding his arms. Ruth can tell the man is in extreme pain but is keeping himself together.
Jackson clenched his jaw, grunting and moaning from pain while glaring daggers at Pennywise's dog form.
"You mother fucking mutt! Get. The. Fuck. Off. Me!"
In a last-ditch effort to toss Pennywise off, Jackson swung his injured arm roughly to the side. Pennywise skids across the floor, slamming harshly into the bed's metal leg and lets out a painful yelp.
Ruth gasps sharply, and her eyes widened, "Penny!"
Jackson grinned evilly from the panic in Ruth's voice. He swung his arm back and hurled Pennywise into the metal leg again, who yelps and whines upon impact. The dog's mouth finally let go, a sure sign that Pennywise is injured, which only angered Ruth.
Ruth's jaw set at Pennywise's stunned self then snapped an icy, vicious glare at Jackson. It vanishes when he launches himself at her and clings at her waist.
"You're not getting away now, you stupid bitch," he growls in her ear.
Ruth fought with him on the ground, even grabbed at the bed frame to prevent Jackson from exposing her but to no avail. Jackson is much stronger than her and is successful in drawing Ruth into the room. Ruth slapped, punched, and kicked to get herself out of his grasp, but the sadistic man only grew excited at the fighter in her.
He cackles evilly as Jackson roughly throws Ruth onto the bed and holds her down by the wrist despite his arms screaming in protest. The blood from his free hand smeared on the front of her lavender blouse, staining the beautiful fabric like a pattern. Jackson can see and feel Ruth's chest rising and falling rapidly from their squabble, which he grins wolfishly at the tremble of her legs.
"Not so tough now, are you, little girl," he cooed while fumbling with the zipper of Ruth's jeans. "It's a good thing, too. It just makes it easier on me to go nice and slow with you. I just wish you looked a lot like your mother."
"You're sick," Ruth growls. "Now, get off me!"
Jax just laughs as his bloodied fingers finally grasped the zipper.
During the squabble, Ruth noticed the brawl between the stalker and Draven had suddenly stopped. There is some heavy panting, grunts, and groans, even the sound of wheezing. Ruth wanted to look, but she feared what would greet her vision. The thought of her stalker being subdued and subjected to watch her being assaulted made Ruth's innards squirm unpleasantly.
"Ruth," she can hear her stalker struggle faintly.
From the corner of her eye, she can see him defeatedly reaching for her while Draven has him in a headlock and slowly suffocating him.
Out of desperation and rage, Ruth struggled to ward Jackson off her person, who attempted to unzip her jeans. She tried creating herself openings by kicking at his thighs and hips, but her efforts were futile, and Jackson always laughed at her attempts. Ruth inwardly whimpers from the passing thought of both her and the stalker meeting a grisly end before they could explore their blooming friendship further. It's sad, really.
Of course, surprises are always bound to happen. Pennywise emerges from underneath the bed in his canine form and charges at Jackson's legs. His sharp, piranha-like canines clamp at the male's ankles, earning a painful howl to escape Jackson's mouth. Pennywise violently shook his head, ripping flesh from bone, and caused the man to wobble.
Thanks to Pennywise coming to her rescue, Ruth got the opening she needed. She swiftly kicks Jackson's thigh, who rightfully staggers, then yanks her wrists out of his grip to throw him off with a vicious elbow jab to his neck. Once his large body slumped sideways, Ruth crawls out from under him and towards the nightstand.
Jackson, who is in a slight daze, saw her rapidly fumbling around. He makes a grab for Ruth, but she swiftly retracts from his touch and lets out a yell. The last thing Jackson expected was Ruth striking him with an alarm clock cracking against his skull. He shouts from impact and instantly grew dizzy. Jackson tried moving away from her, but Ruth smashes the clock against his head again, shattering it into pieces. Jackson groans before crumbling to the floor, his forehead bloody and bruised.
Ruth would have taken the time to make sure he was incapacitated completely but couldn't when she knew her stalker is on the brink of defeat. She chances a glance at him, who is turning a slight shade of red and pale bluish color in the face. Ruth doesn't have much time. She scrambles in search of a weapon to stun Draven but doesn't see anything that would stop him from killing her stalker. Ruth thought about having Pennywise charge at him but knew it would be risky as he could accidentally bite the stalker. Panicked, she started forward to pry the large man off the tall stranger.
She stops though from a clattering sound from behind her. Ruth looks over her shoulder to discover a baseball bat lightly rolling on its side. She blinks quickly before darting for it and snatches the handle. As Ruth stood to direct her attention on Draven, her eyes landed on the Hidden By Nature poster Jordan used to fawn over. She stares at it for a moment with a slight frown and brows scrunched, then glanced at the premiere date of December fifteenth.
A strange feeling overwhelmed her when Ruth remembered the alarm clock's time before smashing it against Jackson's head was twelve-fifteen on the dot. The poster with the premiere date of the same numbers startled her that she trembled. Also, oddly enough, Jordan's birthday landed on December fifteenth. Ruth gasps slightly as she glances at the bat, disturbed that her mother used the same weapon to murder her father. Except, the situation is different. Jordan always hated the Clarke Brothers despite her brother's instance in keeping them handy. She would mutter under her breath that she would love to club them both with a bat. Ruth doesn't doubt Jordan is still looking out for her in her own strange way despite all the things she had done. The significance of twelve-fifteen and the bat is Jordan helping Ruth when she desperately needs it.
Ruth's grip on the handle tightened, along with her shoulders and jaw, then marches towards Draven with the intent of injuring him as Jordan would. He has this wild smirk on his lips as the stalker slowly started to slip unconscious, which only made her eyes burn with intensity. She rose her mother's bat over her head and swung with a vicious cry. Ruth clubs Draven at the hump of his back, causing him to shout and loosen his grip. She doesn't give Draven enough reaction time and slugs him again, this time at his right shoulder. A sickening crack sounded in the room, followed by Draven screaming at the top of his lungs and scrambled away from Ruth's stalker, who gasped for air and begun coughing.
Ruth struck Draven several times as he crawled to his feet to confront her, but she was far from finished in assaulting the man. Ruth squares her jaw with her nose flaring then swings. She connects the edge of the endcap at Draven's jaw with a shattering blow, who spun in his spot upon impact. Gravity did the rest, and he dropped to the floor but didn't clear the bedframe. His skull cracked against the hardwood then crumpled to the floor in a heap.
Ruth stepped close to tower over him and assess the severity of the injuries. She just dislocated and shattered his jaw, which bleeds and stained the flooring, along with a possibly fractured or broken upper arm. For all Ruth knew, the hit to the head on the way down might have killed him. She stared at Draven's fallen form, noticing his chest barely rising and falling. He's still alive but unconscious. She then glanced over at Jackson, who remains unconscious as well. Ruth would have pummeled them some more for good measure but thought the better of it. She accomplished her goal anyway.
She lets the bat drop with a thud then rushed towards her stalker, who can finally catch his breath. Ruth stoops low to look him over, discovering he really doesn't have any visible injuries. It honestly startled her because apparently, her stalker is too familiar in bare-knuckle brawls. She touches his cheek and jawbone, which he flinches slightly but doesn't back away.
"I'm alright," he gently whispers and without looking Ruth in the eye.
Ruth noticed his reluctance but wasn't going to say anything. She understands that he almost feels responsible for what happened, but it is not entirely his fault. It's not even hers. It just happened, and they weren't exactly prepared for it either. At least they are safe now and not dead. Ruth studies her stalker briefly, heaves a sigh, then encases him in her arms and holds him tightly. Her actions caught him off guard at first, but he returns the embrace with enthusiasm. He buries his face in the crook of her neck and entangles his long fingers within her hair.
They sat there in silence for a good moment to enjoy one another's closeness. It's disturbed, though, when a whine sounded close by.
Ruth withdrew from their embrace to find Pennywise in his dog form still and at her side. He stares up at her with those sad, soulful eyes in relief and with a smile. She smiles fondly at him then pets his head and ear.
"My hero," she whispers.
The stalker doesn't say anything as he watched Ruth and the dog with a knowing grin. He clears his throat then started to his feet.
"We need to get moving," he urged softly.
Ruth gazes up at him and nods in understanding. She, too, stood to head for the bed and snatch the satchel of evidence that laid underneath.
When she did, the stalker noticed the blood-stained blouse. He checked her over for any visible injuries but saw none that would cause Ruth to bleed. He shifted his gaze to the unconscious Jackson and saw the pool of blood at his ankle and shredded hands. The stalker frowns once he connected the dots then turned his attention to Ruth.
"Ruth," he starts, which drew her attention to him. "Your blouse."
She glances down at herself when he gestured at her chest, then curses. Ruth strips herself from the soiled top and flung it in Jackson's direction.
The stalker would have snatched the top and placed it in Jackson's hands but couldn't. He froze in his spot when Ruth uncaringly removed her blouse. His eyes had widened, and his mouth slightly gaped open at her sudden lack of modesty, who then hastily approached the closet. He licks his lips and struggled to swallow when his mouth had gone dry. The stalker watched Ruth for a moment, familiarizing himself with the constellation of freckles that adorned her shapely back. He opened his mouth to say something but couldn't form any words. Instead of continuing to stare, the stalker forced himself to look away and stealthily planted Ruth's soiled blouse in Jackson's hand.
Ruth quickly rummaged through the closet for something to replace her blouse. Most of Jordan's tops would be easily recognizable to some since most of them were worn out in public, especially her favorite sleeveless milky white one. Except, there is one Jordan had never worn yet. Ruth snatches a rather cute, black floral blouse and throws it over her head. It is a little big on her, of course. She unbuttons at least seven of the tiny buttons then ties the two separate pieces of cloth together for the top to conform to her petite frame.
Once she was satisfied, Ruth emerges out of the closet and towards the bed. Ruth quickly snatches the purse then regrouped with her stalker, who waited patiently at the door and with an approving smirk.
The stalker watched her approach, then flicked his gaze on Pennywise the dog and whistles.
"Come on, buddy," the stalker starts with a grin plastered on his face.
Pennywise inwardly furrowed his brows and screwed his lips. He doesn't know why but something about the stalker's smile has him unnerved. Even the way he stared at him didn't settle well. Pennywise may have developed an instant liking towards the male, but he shouldn't trust him completely. For all he knew, the stalker could be working an angle. He hopes not because Ruth is already very much interested in her stalker. Pennywise stares at the stalker briefly, then slightly limped forwards despite his nerves.
The stalker at that point ushers Ruth to leave the room, but she steps out of his reach. She glances at Jackson's fallen form and through the wood at Draven.
"What about them?"
He halts to follow Ruth's gaze yet frowns.
"What about them?"
"We can't just leave them out in the open. What if someone finds them."
The stalker thought about it for a second as he stared at the unconscious Jackson before replying.
"I'll circle back to take care of them. First, I need to get you someplace safe."
Ruth watched him with brows furrowed and a slight frown. She's heard that expression one too many times in her life to know what he means by that, and it's usually not a good thing. To take care of two unconscious lumps of skin could mean torturing them into silence. A mafia way to go about it is to do some spring cleaning and take the two on a one-way ride. Ruth has a strange feeling this could be the case. Just the look in his eyes as he stared past her sent an unwanted chill down her spine. The stalker seems more brooding and dangerous than before, which only made Ruth uncomfortable.
She wants to ask him the question for clarification and to ease her discomfort but feared the answer. Instead, Ruth grew silent and turned her attention to the movie poster beside her. Her uneasy expression morphs into one of sadness and yearning as she searched her mother's face printed on the paper. Ruth remembers the few good moments she had with her mother, the ones where Jordan seemed like a mother to her. She admired Jordan's firmness in keeping Ruth in school after a silly prank when the principal felt Ruth needed some form of punishment. Ruth somehow adopted that little attribute since she can be stubborn, as Pennywise has mentioned numerous times. Ruth even felt a kinship with her but never got to understand what it was.
As Ruth continues to stare at the poster, she suddenly recalled the moment Jonathan admitted to rapping her to Jordan. She was not happy about the news from what Ruth gathered. Ruth then realized how angry she would get whenever the Clarke Brother's antagonized her. Jordan would beat them severely and leave them to suffer. Did she have something against sexual abuse? Jordan must have if she would go out of her way to teach the pigs a lesson. She probably would have done the same thing to Jonathan if Pennywise hadn't shown up when he did.
Ruth glances away from her mother's face, absently staring at the premiere date again, then over to the broken alarm clock. She silently repeats twelve-fifteen in her mind, then glances towards the bat where Draven laid unconscious.
Her lips curve into a soft smile, and she whispers, "Thank you, mom."
She surveys the room one last time before turning away to hopefully leave the past behind her.