A/N: Hi, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. Happy New Year! I sincerely apologize for not updating for so long. Life has just been a blur the last half of the year. Between work and now focusing on my side art business, my writing schedule was drastically altered. I'm now finding myself trying to squeeze in some writing time or taking some evenings off.
With that being said, updates are now going to be slow coming. So, hopefully, this chapter will sustain you enough until I can post a new chapter.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the read!
Stay safe, be kind to one another, and God bless.
November 1st
Feathery, dove gray clouds dimmed the burning golden sun today. The air is moist from rain yet smells of a bonfire crackling from afar. Reeses pieces-colored trees sagely danced in the crisp zephyr breeze, rustling the leaves like soft lapping waves. Not a single bird sang. It is silent.
If only for a moment.
Soft feet lightly padded across the damp cement, and a breathy sigh fills the silence.
A lone soul wandered in the early morn and is approaching the brooding, dark house of Neibolt. They stopped abruptly and stood.
Bill gazes at the frightening home apprehensively with hands tucked in his jeans. He searched the darkened grain from afar to find the courage to enter. A huge part of him wished he were like Ruth and boldly barge in without caring. Just the thought of her crossing his mind made Bill's lack of determination wane into forlorn, then stared at the wet cement.
It's been well over three months since Bill has seen Ruth. He knows she is okay and is going about her life, even though it has altered drastically. Bill has seen her around from time to time, even if it is for a fleeting moment, but Ruth is still here in Derry. He doesn't understand why she would linger, but Bill figured Ruth still has unfinished business.
Three days after Rutherford was discovered buried beneath the earth several months ago, the police called off their search for Ruth. Bill didn't understand why they would at first. Except, after he saw a glimpse of Ruth with Officer Bowers at a lawyer's office a day later, he understood. He doesn't doubt Ruth is working out all the legal stuff and any investments her rich daddy had. Officer Bowers probably just escorted her there and was lending advice since she has no one or forced her into handling adult matters. Bill then wondered if Bowers found her and talked Ruth into coming out of hiding or maybe struck a deal. He likes to think Ruth came out of hiding on her own terms and went about her business without an adult around. She is fiercely independent from what Bill gathers, which he kind of envies, but understands why she is.
Bill also knows Ruth is still enrolled in school. He had seen Ruth enter the building multiple times when school was over. He assumes she wants to bring minimal attraction to herself and conduct her studies without admiring eyes. Bill understands the need. The few times he has seen Ruth go through the doors, her peers would gawk and send unwanted praises or gestures her way. Ruth always ignores them, of course. Everyone doesn't see her as "The Bastard Kid" anymore. She is now known as "The Rich Kid." Bill has a feeling she doesn't like the abrupt change from being hated to worshipped because her father was famous. If he was, then Ruth should be treated like a celebrity. That's probably why Ruth decided to come to school after hours when she knows the adults will treat her differently.
Honestly, Bill hates it for her. He would like to find Ruth and talk with her. Well, more so, let her express her frustrations and provide her some form of comfort. Maybe even be the friend she really needs. He knows she is not talking to anyone. Ruth stopped speaking with Mike, along with Stanley. Richie tried to approach her at one point, but she brushed him off. Ben and Eddie attempted to talk with her, but she treated them equally. Surprisingly enough, Beverly approached Ruth. She was a little more successful than the others and spoke with Ruth. Maybe not as long as Beverly wanted, but she made contact. Unfortunately, that was the only time Beverly talked to Ruth. She tried again to chat, only to be ignored, which upset Beverly. Ruth wants nothing to do with them from the way Bill sees it. He understands Ruth's desire to not associate with them despite their common enemy.
Bill just wished he was confident enough to stick up for Ruth at the fair and kept the peace between everyone. Maybe then things would have turned out differently where they would hang out together. Ruth and Richie's banter is actually quite fun to watch anyway, even her and Eddie. If you got all three going, you would have one hell of a show.
A small smile graces his lips from the thought. Bill won't admit this to anyone, but he misses Ruth's lively presence and bright smile. Even though he may be silent whenever he meets her with his friends, Bill always likes talking with her. Well, unless she initiated the conversation first. Maybe, when he gets his chance to see Ruth, he should start the conversation, not her.
"I wonder where she is staying," Bill thought out loud to himself.
He really did have to wonder where Ruth is staying. Bill knows she is not at her old place. He's been by there several times already and saw no signs of anyone living there. The house isn't up for sale either. This led Bill to believe that Ruth was just using the house for something other than sleeping or eating. Occasionally, he would see the mailman drop something off at the door, which always confused him. The parcel would be gone within a couple of hours after seeing it or the following day. So, Ruth is hiding somewhere else but has no idea where.
Bill sighed heavily and shook his head to rid himself of his swarming thoughts. His gaze shifts from the cement to the dark, brooding house before him.
He doesn't know why he decided to come here of all places. The house is where the clown disappeared into, so why here? Bill stared at the darkened walls, its silhouette a stark contrast against the bright grayness and vibrant flames of autumn. The last time he came here was with the others to confront the monster, which was a terrifying encounter. Their adventure caused a downward spiral for his circle of friends. Richie is mad at him; Bill, too, is still upset with him to a degree. The others just didn't want to deal with the creature they met and went on with their summer separately. Despite coming together the night of Ruth's disappearance slash birthday, they're not talking as much, which saddened Bill greatly.
Bill shook his head again to retrain his thoughts back on the house. He remembers now why he came here. His Halloween night was spent out here, daring himself to go in and face the clown alone. Of course, Bill couldn't step foot inside. He kept telling himself to not be frightened as it's what the monster wanted out of him. Except, his nerves kept him back. Also, it was too dark to explore the home, despite having a flashlight on hand. With the number of shadowy corners and places for Pennywise to hide, it would be easy to jump scare Bill out of his skin and get eaten. He didn't want that.
Instead, Bill told himself he would return here in the morning and look around.
With a heavy puff, Bill trumps through the dead weeds and crumbled walkway to the seemingly newly repaired front door. His brows drew together from the sight, along with some additions he could see from the yard. The boarded-up windows have dark cloth drawn apart where Bill can see inside through the hand-width slots.
Curious, he says to himself.
He shrugged, then evenly pounded on the repaired steps and approached the door. Bill stares at the doorknob, which is a polished antique bronze handle, then shoves forward without thinking. Upon opening, Bill is greeted by a relatively pleasant scent of fresh spring and Christmas. The house smells of fresh roses and warm vanilla that reminded him of sugar cookies. His brows rose, and his mouth watered from the welcoming, warming scent, then ventured further. Bill's brown eyes scanned the walls, noting the tidiness and warmth. He notes the makeshift coat rack where several articles of clothing hung gently in place. Their easter egg colors are a pleasant contrast against the black.
Wait, is someone living here?
Bill shifts his gaze to the den, finding the Victorian couch is no longer there. In its place are a telescope, a crimson tufted stool, and a chair, along with a small corner bookshelf littered with trinkets, papers, and notebooks. Bill trudged forward to inspect further. The telescope is positioned to look out towards the road on either side. He leaned slightly to look through, watching the abandoned street from which Bill came.
Was someone watching me? He questions himself.
Bill withdrew from the eyepiece to explore more of the house. Before heading down the hallway, he turns his gaze to the staircase, which is cleared of cobwebs and leaves. It suddenly felt homey instead of intimidating. Everything along the walls is still in a shamble, but it is not eerily cold anymore. There are even outstanding photos of the city, its citizens, and breathtaking landscapes lining the hall. A gifted person brought warmth and life to the house, and Bill wants to know who. Bill looks away from the polaroids to enter the supposed kitchen. It's even tidy here but not wholly workable, at least from what Bill can see. A small dining table with two comfortable chairs and a kerosene lantern in the middle sat close to the wall. There is so much that looks different, and it practically startled him.
Just who in the world would want to live here of all places? Bill wonders to himself again.
He heaves a hard sigh while rubbing his head before leaving the eat-in kitchen. Bill would admit despite the doom and gloom walls, he feels a little more comfortable being here. The added touches of warmth provided a strange sense of security and peace. It's a combination that you really wouldn't find here of all places, but that's how it felt.
He looked around the main floor with a slight curve on his lips, observing the hominess amongst the drab. Bill sighs contently at the lack of fear in the atmosphere then starts towards the staircase. He stops his advance from a sound behind him. It's not just any sounds, either. No thumps, creaks, or groans but a voice, a male voice, in fact.
Bill stood rigid to decipher their monologue. He picked up an almost foreign speech that is thick, monotoned, and bitter. Bill then noticed another similar to the other but is droning and calloused.
"Do you really think the Squarehead hid in this dump?" One of the males questioned.
Alarmed, Bill frantically looked around for a place to hide. He knows he is not supposed to be here, and the thought of being seen by strangers frightened him. Bill glances up the stairs, considering in silently rushing up but thought the better of it. Whoever the strangers are will hear his frantic footing.
"Who knows? The kid is a lot smarter than what we perceived him to be. 'Sides, this is the only place that suits his creepy face." The other man explained.
Bill stood stationary as the men conversed about someone within their group and within proximity of the front door. If he moved, the strangers would be alerted of someone within the shambling house. He watched with jaw squaring and trembled breath as they came closer. Bill took one last glance at the stairs before making a possibly unwise decision. From the corner of his eye, he watched the two males approaching the door while silently yet swiftly crossing the room to the bottom stair. He presses against the wall, flattening himself the best he could to not be seen. A few shadows helped conceal him some but not completely. If the strangers looked off to their right after entering the house, they would see the tips of his sneakers.
He listened as their footsteps approached the door, stopped briefly before venturing inside. The floorboards creaked and groaned from the weight of their boots, and the sound of metal clanging indicated the two males were armed. Bill's heart drummed within his chest, and his breath silently labored as he saw them from the corner of his eye. The two men marched like soldiers. Their long dark coats flapped and snapped at their knees with each stride. Bill couldn't make out their features, but he really didn't care. He must watch them of where they go and make a soundless escape.
He watches them turn towards the small den where the telescope sat.
"Someone was watching the road from the looks of it," one of the men states.
"Well, no shit, Sherlock," the other snaps as he starts forwards to investigate.
"What exactly are you hoping to find in there, anyway?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I just wanted to look through the damn thing," the male replies sarcastically.
"Don't get smart with me, Aldean."
"Alright, fine, sorry, jeez. Maybe the thing could be amongst this rubbish," this Aldean guy says as he approaches the corner bookcase.
Bill hears the unnamed male say something but doesn't bother listening. The two males have their backs towards him. This is his opening to creep to the door.
He makes one hesitant step, then another as Bill fixates his gaze on the hulking figures. They remained to face away from him as they rummaged through papers and notebooks. He glances from the intruders to the door, finding himself several feet away from escaping. Bill turned his attention to the men again as he took a step forward away from the wall.
As Bill took another sneaking step, the floorboard groaned under his weight. The sound instantly caught the intruders' attention as their rustling stilled. Bill could tell from a fair distance the two wanted to investigate the noise when they heard more groaning and pops within the ceiling.
"It's just the house settling," the unnamed male says casually.
"Yeah," Aldean drawls, then scans the notebook again.
Bill soundlessly exhales a breath then tiptoes around the sensitive wood. With the strangers' attention on the books again, he makes a break for the door. Besides, the thought of being heard and caught frightens him. He has to get out of there quickly.
He pauses suddenly in his step once he hears the two males stop shuffling around and cursing loudly.
"Verdammt," the unnamed male growls.
The other, Aldean, grumbles while throwing a book across the room.
"Gah, damnit all to hell, none of this scheiße gave us a lead."
"Pointing out the obvious as always, Depp."
"Shut the fuck up, Armin. This is only one part of the house. Let's go look somewhere else."
He grew rigid when they started moving about in the adjacent room. Bill wanted to run the rest of the way, but he knew they would hear him. Bill will get caught if he remains to stand there like a statue. Except he is afraid to move.
Bill was about to make a decision when he felt a harsh tug at his arm. He attempts a yelp, except a hand slaps over his mouth and is shoved forwards. Bill expected voices to follow, but none entered his ears. He can feel his feet moving, but they are light and steady as if someone was guiding him like a mirror. He wanted to look at the person but dared not to leave his gaze on the males who were quickly approaching the entryway. Bill soon felt crisp air kiss his skin, and the smell of a bonfire wafted in his nostrils. His feet crunched on dead leaves and weeds, then came to a stop against musty wood. He felt someone press against his back, and his lips were free from their palm. Without hesitation, Bill whips his head to stare into earthy focused eyes. He instantly recognized them.
"Ruth?"
She snapped a finger to her lips, shushing Bill promptly.
Ruth broke eye contact with him to direct her attention to the front door. Both he and she can hear the males conversing and stomping down the hall.
"Follow me," Ruth instructs in a whisper, then takes his hand into hers.
Bill let Ruth guide him towards the side of the house and around the corner to the back. From there, they can see the males enter the kitchen and start rummaging around. He watched as one of them stepped close to where they were watching, causing both of them to duck low.
"Verdammt, where is it?" Bill heard Armin shout.
"What are they," Bill starts to question but is interrupted.
"Keep quiet," Ruth barely whispers, then slowly peers through the broken window.
Bill followed to watch with her. He sees the two males search the cabinets and every other nook and cranny. One of them even glanced underneath the dining table to find nothing before tossing it to the floor with a thunderous crash, causing Ruth to flinch from the sound.
He noticed Ruth started trembling but couldn't tell if she was reliving a memory or in rage. She now has this aura that caught a breath in Bill's throat and stood beside her rigidly. Bill gave a sidewise glance at her, noticing Ruth's gaze is fixated on the stranger who knocked the table over. All he could see were the darks of Ruth's eyes and an unfamiliar expression morphing her sweet, feminine features. She seemed unnervingly angry, and her breath became shallow and labored. Her fingers on the window sill curled, and her jaw squared.
The last thing Bill expected was Ruth moving away from him and towards the back door. Alarmed, he grabs her arm and yanks her back, causing a jostle and ruckus.
"What are you doing?" Bill barely whispers in her ear.
Ruth acknowledges him with a snap of her head and opens her mouth to speak, but the words die on her lips. A click and a voice alerted them, making them go rigid.
"I thought I heard some rats," one of the males sneers threateningly.
"More like eavesdropping when they shouldn't be. Get your dumb asses inside now," the other demanded with a growl.
Bill shutters violently as Ruth did before they followed instruction, especially when threatened at gunpoint. Ruth steps forward first, with Bill following right beside her. The two teenagers cautiously approached the door and entered the disarrayed kitchen.
Bill noticed Ruth eye the strewn table and chairs, then scanned the room where the cabinets were thrown open and cereal boxes laid on the counters. He noted her gaze hardening, and a frown tugged at the corner of her lips once she acknowledged the two men.
Armin and Aldean kept their pistols on them as they stopped at the thrown table. Bill finally got a good look at them, noticing both had sandy blond hair and appeared to have eyes like a threatening storm at dusk. Their features are bird-like, almost hawkish, and sinewy in shape. From the looks of them, these guys mean business, and he, along with Ruth, are in serious trouble.
"What are you two dumbasses doing spying on us, huh?"
Bill tried to answer but stuttered over his words while Ruth glared at the armed men.
An explosion erupted in the kitchen, causing Bill to flinch and hear wood splintering behind them. He noticed Ruth seemed unaffected by the sound. Bill turned his attention to the man who shot them, discovering a pistol pointing at him and Ruth.
"Well, look at Little Miss Tough Girl acting all cool and shit."
"Always like to state the obvious, but yeah. This one will be fun to break."
The other fires near Ruth's feet at the floor, still not getting a reaction from her.
"Wow, you really are unfazed by this, aren't you? Okay then, how about we play a little game?"
Ruth doesn't respond, just gives a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Don't want to talk at all, huh?"
He shoots at her feet again, causing Bill to shrink, and gives Ruth an expectant glare, which she fails to see.
"If that's how you want to be, fine. I'll just keep shooting at your feet until you answer, stupid girl."
The gun clicks and shifts direction.
"For Christ's sake, Aldean, lighten up."
Armin grips his partner's wrist and lowers it away from Ruth's chest.
"The dumb piece of shit slut better my answer question."
"I know, but have you considered that maybe the girl is mute?"
Aldean, the taller of the two, blinks and observes Ruth critically.
"Are you?"
Ruth shook her head.
"If you're not mute, then speak when spoken to!"
"I…" Bill starts to interject.
"I didn't ask you, junge!"
"She hasn't spoken to anyone since her parents died," Bill blurts without stuttering.
Aldean glances at Bill, observing him thoughtfully.
"Did you seriously expect me to be sympathetic because your girlfriend's parents died?"
"She's not…,"
"I don't give a shit if the stupid bitch is your girlfriend, sister, or a friend. She better speak up. Otherwise, I'll put a damn bullet in her head."
"Alright, okay, sorry."
"Where is it?"
"Where is what?" Ruth questions with a growl.
Aldean pulls his gun towards her and points at Ruth's left thigh.
"Don't play dumb with me, little girl. Where the fuck is it?"
"I don't know what it is you are looking for, but it is not here. Now, point that thing somewhere else, Arschloch."
There is a loud crack, and wood splintered at her feet again. Ruth remained unaffected by the near hit, but Bill certainly doesn't. He balked and stood away, fearful that her audacious self would get them killed.
"Sie sprechen Deutsch?"
"Sehr wenig, aber ich lerne," Ruth replies.
Aldean's gun clicks.
"Wie praktisch?"
Bill glances at Ruth then back at the armed man.
"What's going on?" He whispered.
"We had an exchange in my native language. I will ask you again, where is it?"
"I'm telling you, I don't know what you're asking about!"
Aldean groans and rushes forward.
Bill swiftly gets in between Ruth's soon-to-be attacker and her, then harshly shoves the adult away.
"Back off, Arschloch!" He curses fluidly.
Aldean stared at Bill with an arched brow and an amused smirk before harshly shoving him to the floor.
Bill noticed Ruth started towards him but was thrown against the wall, and Aldean's pistol pressed against her chin.
"Ruth!"
Bill scrambles to his feet to help, but Armin rushes forwards, kicks him back to the floor, and holds him down with his foot with his pistol pointing at the boy's chest.
"You two little rats should not have been spying on us. We are not the type of people you want to fuck with. We're dangerous."
"Now, tell us where you have hidden it before this gets even uglier," Aldean demands as he holds Ruth firmly.
She shudders violently under his deranged gaze but doesn't break eye contact with him.
"I know not what you are looking for. Now let me down!"
Ruth kicks at Aldean's shin, but her attempts to escape his clutch are futile. He laughed deeply, slightly amused at the fight in her but continued to threaten Ruth with his gun jammed into her lower jaw.
"You know something, I'm certain of it. Tell me where you have hidden Lindgren's matchbox, and I may let you live."
Ruth's jaw squares, and a dangerous glower crosses her features.
"I don't know who or what you are talking about. Now let me down or so help me."
Aldean gently tightens his index finger at the trigger.
"Or what? You are in no position to threaten me, little girl. Last chance, Vivian, where is it?"
Bill, who helplessly laid on the floor, saw her chest tighten and her hardened features faltered. She appeared confused by the name and stopped fighting.
When she failed to respond for only a second, Aldean resulted to ending her life right then and there.
"Tell Lindgren 'hi' for me, you stupid girl."
"No, don't," Bill screams.
"Shut up, kid. You're next," Armin threatened with his pistol clicking.
"Get off me!"
Bill tried pushing the man's foot off him to no avail.
The taller man remains rooted in his spot and tauntingly squeezes the trigger.
"No, stop!"
Instead of a burst from Aldean's gun, the sound of a chair scraping across the floor booms within the room, causing the gunman to stiffen.
Bill gaps while his eyes dart around the room, searching where the sound came from. He is grateful that it stopped the gunmen from killing him and Ruth.
From the corner of his eye, one of the chairs started moving on its own. His brows furrowed, and a breath caught in his throat from the sight. The adult holding him down noticed, too, now that their foot was no longer on his chest.
Armin points at the moving chair with widened eyes and mouth gaping.
"Are you seeing this, Aldean?"
"See what?"
Cling, CRASH
A startled scream escapes Ruth's lips, and a shout from Aldean is heard when a metal pot soared across the room and crashes against the wall. A thud followed from Aldean dropping Ruth to the floor then whirled in his spot. He aimed at anyone who had thrown the object but saw no one.
"Who, who threw that?"
Thump, thud, thud, SLAM
Both Aldean and Armin spin towards the constant noises around them, discovering the cabinet doors are mysteriously and aggressively opening and closing.
Bill eyed the cabinets with eyes wide and mouth gaping, and he felt pinpricks ghost along his spine. He slowly started crawling away from the transfixed men over to Ruth. She sat on the floor while staring ahead and mouth open as well. Once he approaches Ruth's side, Bill gently touches her shoulder.
"We need to get out of here," he whispers.
Ruth gently nods and starts for the back door but stops from another sound.
A low ghostly groan reverberates along the kitchen walls.
"W, w…what was that?"
More thuds and thumps echoed in the small space, the wood floors groaned from an invisible weight, and clouds of dust fell from the ceiling. Silverware that laid on the counters rattled and clanged and flew about the room, and metal warped as if an unseen hand was crushing it like a soda can.
"Armin?" Aldean whimpered as the noises and sights continued.
An ungodly roar erupted in their eardrums, causing the men to cover their ears and cower as the house started to shake.
"What the fuck is going on?"
"Get out of here!" Armin instructs. "And grab those kids!"
"To hell with them! I'm out of here!"
"Aldean," Armin screams as his partner starts forward.
He glances at the teenagers, who huddled close, then at the door. After a quick assessment of the violent shaking house, Armin lunges for them.
Bill caught sight of the adult and urged Ruth to move, but she was swiftly grabbed at the arm and pulled out of his reach.
"Bill!"
"Ruth! Ow, let go!"
"You're coming, too, you little shit! Now move it!"
"Let go of me," Ruth screeches while clawing at Armin's wrist.
"Armin, leave them!"
"The girl knows where the blasted freak's matchbox is!"
Aldean doesn't get a chance to shout when an unpleasant moan sounds from behind him. A ghostly, ivory light beams brightly, casting harsh shadows on the darkened wood. He noticed Armin had let go of Ruth and Bill, his mouth gapped and eyes the size of saucers.
Curious yet terrified, Aldean slowly looks over his shoulder. He expected just to see the ivory light, but that is far from his imagination. An enormous, emaciated being with a long skull, hinged jaw, and hollowed eyes stared down at him. Ghostly wisps of hair are strewn on extended boney arms and on its spindly hunches as it sat on the floor like a lion guarding a gate.
He didn't realize it, but the sounds within the room stopped, along with the shaking boards. Aldean stood in silence as he was stared down by the otherworldly being that made his skin crawl and whimpered.
Aldean's lips quivered and mouthed Armin's name as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes.
The skeletal lion-like ghost glares at the man silently. Its elongated skull twitched towards Ruth and Bill, who rightfully scampered further down the wall, hugging each other. It returned its gaze back on Aldean and seemed to grin before a spine-chilling groaning roar screeched from its open maw.
Aldean and Armin screamed when the skeletal apparition had roared, swiftly whirled around, and sprinted towards the hallway. The deadly spirit quickly followed after them. Its feathery hairs flowed behind its head and limbs like vapors, with long arms and legs stretching across the room. It ignored the teenagers as it softly blew past them and effortlessly passed through the doorframe and walls. Its howl muffled the two dangerous men's rushing feet, who also proceeded to scream while rushing to the front door.
"Stay away from me! Stay away from me!" Aldean shrieks in an almost girly fashion with tears streaming from his eyes.
Armin says nothing. He just concentrated on getting away from the horrific apparition to the safety of their car. Armin glances over at Aldean, noting the wetness on his face. Armin chooses not to poke fun at him when he is on the verge of weeping himself.
He is ecstatic to see the door within reach for his and his partner's escape.
"Run damnit," he cried, then shoved Aldean forward and out of the house.
Just as Aldean lept down the steps and stumbled across the lawn as if he were on a skating rink, Armin fell face first in the dirt with oomph. It took him a second to get his bearings, but when he finally did, Aldean came to his side and helped him to his feet.
"Come on, man! Go, go, GO," Aldean barks.
"I'm going, I'm going, fuck! Now, get the fuck off me, man!"
"You're the one who's holding onto me!"
"Are not!"
"Are too, you fucking baby!"
"I wasn't the one screaming like a girl and crying!"
"I was not!"
"Were too!"
"Was not!"
The two bickered amongst themselves as they stumbled to the car and forced themselves inside. Once in, neither wanted to compose themselves after their fright.
Armin starts the vehicle and peels away from the poltergeist at the Neibolt House.
The poltergeist watched the car disappear from its sight with a grunt of disappointment on the porch. Its skull twitched towards the kitchen where Ruth and Bill were, hoping to hear some sort of laughter from the girl, but none came. Of course, Ruth laughing at how scared the criminals were would give away that she knew about the transformation.
Pennywise planned on terrifying Bill since the boy did trespass, but things didn't go according to plan, of course. He had to direct his objectives to the notorious made men of some large syndicate that Rune is involved in. Rune warned Ruth about those two in a letter he had sent her nearly two months ago and highly advised not to give in to their demands. He will undoubtedly be proud that she didn't flinch from being almost shot at. However, Pennywise doesn't doubt his ally would be extremely upset with himself if something horrible happened to Ruth to keep his possessions safe.
Hell, Pennywise would be mad at himself for allowing Ruth to get killed while under his care. She is his ward and a valued, cherished friend. He probably shouldn't have let it go that far. Ruth almost died, and it would have been his fault for allowing the brutes to kill the bright sunshine in his universe. Pennywise doesn't doubt she will be angry at him for not stepping in sooner. He wouldn't be mad at her if she were.
The only way he would know for sure is to check on her and the stuttering boy.
He slowly stalks towards the kitchen while silently transitioning back into his clown form. Pennywise crept along the floor like a snake before soundlessly crawling onto the wall then onto the ceiling. An ability he is sure would freak Ruth out if she saw him like this. He stealthily approached the doorframe, hid from sight, and observed the two teenagers critically.
Bill and Ruth didn't know how long they sat on the floor like they were, but when they realized the adults weren't coming back, they started to their feet.
Bill is the first to stand, helps Ruth up, and assesses her for injuries. He is glad there are no physical signs of trauma but wondered if she is mentally okay. He doesn't doubt Ruth remembered something from her once hostile environment.
"Are you okay," he cautiously asked.
"I'm fine. The bloody bloke didn't hurt me," Ruth answers tightly while adjusting her sweater.
"That's not what I meant."
She paused, then glanced over at him. Bill noticed the cold detachment in her gaze, which answered his question. Ruth is not okay. The brute triggered a memory, and she's still reliving it despite the events that happened moments ago. He just needs to figure out how to help her.
"I can tell you're not okay, Ruth. I'm more than willing to listen if you want to talk to me about it."
Ruth hesitated at first but managed to say something. "I, I really don't want to talk about it right now. Thank you for the offer, though."
"You're welcome, Ruth."
They stood close in awkward silence as both shifted in their spot.
Bill clears his throat, gulps tightly, and stares at Ruth with a light blush sweeping across his cheeks. He noticed Ruth's hair was different and seemed to suit her reasonably well. It's still the same strawberry blonde Bill admires but is smoothed out from her natural waves and curls. Her sleek hairdo fell to her collarbone and framed Ruth's sweet, maturish face. Some of her locks started coiling back to their original state, mimicking wispy bangs. The milky white sweater she wore only enhanced her beauty, making Bill's mouth go dry.
"Bill?"
He snapped himself out of his thoughts once Bill realized he zoned out on her.
"Hmm, what?"
"What are you doing here?"
Bill blinks, unaware Ruth had asked him a question a second ago.
"Oh um, I, I was just," he paused to come up with some sort of explanation. Bill doesn't want to tell her he was coming here to confront the clown because he knew if the clown was mentioned, Ruth would scrutinize him for believing in fairytales.
"I was just, um, I don't know."
Ruth looks at him, perplexed.
"You don't know why you're here?"
Bill fumbles over his words while picking at his nails.
"I guess I forgot. Well, maybe to explore the place," he stutters slightly.
"Why would you?"
Bill casually shrugs with a hard sigh. "I was bored and needed to distract myself. Why are you here?"
Ruth dubiously stares at him with arms folded over and her hip jutted out.
"Duh, to rescue you from those men."
His brows furrowed then softened.
"Really?"
"Well, yeah. I saw you come in here and considered letting you be until those numbskulls showed up like Rambo on a rampage. They would have killed you, you know?"
"I know. I just didn't think anybody else would come by here."
"Never assume anything and always watch your surroundings."
"I will remember that next time. Thank you, Ruth, for getting me out of that mess."
"You're welcome, Bill. I may have helped you escape, but if that brute hadn't triggered a memory, I wouldn't have gotten us in the predicament we were in moments ago. Thankfully that poltergeist thing frightened the Arschlochs away, saving us."
Bill pauses to fully comprehend the situation now that he and Ruth are out of danger. Being frightened at gunpoint was undoubtedly terrifying, especially when he was scared for Ruth. When the poltergeist showed up, Bill knew that Pennywise was behind it since the thing did come from the movie he had seen once before. He wasn't that scared then but questions why the shape-shifting clown appeared when he did. What provoked the clown to scare the two men away and ignore him and Ruth completely? Ruth is right in saying the ghost saved them from being killed. Why, though?
"You're right. It did save us, but I have to wonder why it would, though?"
Ruth cocks her head, and her brows furrowed.
"Why wouldn't it?"
Bills sighed heavily as he locked his gaze on hers. He didn't want to talk to Ruth about the clown, but Bill felt the need to get it off his chest. She may not understand or believe him, but his confusion got the better of him.
"Do you remember me and the others telling you about the shape-shifting clown?"
He fully expected Ruth to roll her eyes and say something snarky, but she didn't, which surprised him. Instead, she stares at him thoughtfully with a small purse of her lips.
"Yeah, I remember. Why?"
"Well," Bill pauses briefly to consider his words.
"Let me guess, you think it disguised itself as the creepy door guard poltergeist from the movie, huh?"
"I don't think I know," he responds confidently and without stuttering.
A skeptical brow rose, and a frown adorned Ruth's lips.
"Come on, Ruth. We both know that thing was from the same movie we saw and we weren't necessarily terrified of it either."
"Well," Ruth considers. "Alright, you do have a point there. Except, if it was the terrifying, murderous clown you all told me about, then why did it ignore us?"
"That's what I'm confused about. I don't know why it would."
"Maybe he's not as bad you and the others perceived him to be," Ruth replies with a shrug.
Bill scruffs.
"Yeah, that's doubtful."
"And yet he saved us from those goons."
Bill screws his lips and heaved a sigh from his nostrils.
"Yeah, yeah, he did. I guess I should be thankful," Bill inwardly shudders. "I do wonder what those guys were looking for."
"Who knows," Ruth replies dismissively, then starts straightening up the kitchen. "It is best to not concern ourselves in their affairs, anyway. Can you help me with the table, please?"
He went to her side and helped set the table in its rightful position.
"I guess you're right," Bill replies as he drags a chair underneath the table. "Even though I feel we should be when they mistook you for someone else, Ruth."
"I'm aware. I just don't want to get involved in whatever operation those two are associated with. For all we know, they could be members of a syndicate."
Bill makes a sound realization and gently nods his head. "You do have a valid point. Do you really think those guys are in some sort of cartel or something like in Scarface?"
"I don't doubt that they are," Ruth replies and goes to say more, only to stop.
He noticed her hesitating to speak further and the conflicted gaze in her eyes. Bill also doesn't like that Ruth is avoiding eye contact with him and the tension in her jaw.
She's hiding something, Bill observed to himself.
He wanted to try and pry information out of her about what she could possibly know of the two goons but thought the better of it. Bill knows Ruth is not so trusting of people for a reason. He is no exception. If Bill wants any intel about what is going on with her, he has to play his cards right. If she is in trouble, he would love to somehow help her.
"I miss seeing you around," he says softly.
Ruth regards him with a downward curve of her lips, skepticism showing in her gaze.
"You do?"
"I do, and," he paused for a moment, considering something. "I guess the others miss you too, Ruth."
She looks at him strangely with a cock of her head, analyzing him and his comment.
Ruth didn't have to ask for clarification because Bill could see the question on the tip of her tongue.
"We haven't been talking much lately, well ever since your disappearance."
She blinks, "How come?"
"We uh had a falling out."
Her brows furrowed, and her lips pursed.
"Why, what happened?"
Bill glances from her to the darkened walls of Neibolt, remembering the clown and the fight between him and Richie. A big part of him wished he could take back the punch he laid on Richie's face. Maybe, if Richie hadn't said anything about Georgie, it wouldn't have happened. There were a lot of things that occurred where Bill would like to change. Except, what's done is done.
When Bill didn't answer, Ruth regarded him with a sad frown and shuffled in her spot.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you guys will batch things up."
Bill regards her with raised brows and a frown.
"You think so?"
"Of course. You can fix a relationship if you trust the person and are willing to forgive their actions."
Bill quietly considered this for a moment while lightly drumming his fingers on the chair. At the same time, he had to wonder if the advice she gave him was from her own experiences. What if someone other than adults and peers alike betrayed her trust? She did have a lot of people mistreat her and caused the girl to question people's motives. He was one of those, at least Bill thinks he was. Although he has this inkling, there is more to it than just that.
He watched Ruth for a moment longer, shifting in his spot uncomfortably. Eventually, Bill managed to say something after an awkward silence between them.
"Is everything okay, Ruth?"
"I told you before. I'm…"
"It's not just that," Bill interjects quickly. "I haven't seen you around a lot, Ruth."
Her brows furrow, her gaze shifts to the floor with a frown adorning her lips.
"I see you for a fleeting moment from time to time and watch you go into the school when everyone else is leaving. It seems like it was before, only different. You don't talk to anyone and act like you want nothing to do with me and the others. It hurts me to see you so alone, Ruth."
"I'm really not that alone, Billy. I do have a friend, well two," she replies with a lift of her head.
"I know your stalker friend."
"Yeah, him and someone else I promised not to name. He's a very private person. And I don't act like I want nothing to do with you, Bill."
"Then why are you avoiding me and the others?"
"Well, the lot of you did hurt me in the past. Richie especially, and Beverly and Ben. Eddie, well, he's just Eddie and twitchy."
Bill lightly chuckles. Ruth does as well.
She offers him a soft smile while brushing a strand of straight hair behind her ear.
"Also," Ruth continued and started to say but reconsidered. "I have been sorting out a lot of things concerning my father's finances, along with my own problems."
"Like what?"
"I really can't say. It's," Ruth pauses to think of how to put it for him.
"Confidential?"
Her soft smile transitions into a frown, and her gaze shifts to the floorboards, shaking her head.
"It's complicated."
Bill didn't particularly care for the tone she gave off. She sounded different, unsure, and vulnerable. He watched Ruth for a moment, noticing a dark, strange expression crossing her features, and her eyes shifted into something unrecognizable. She seemed… depressed, hollow even. It's as if she had lost hope. This is not the Ruth he is used to seeing. Frankly, it worried him greatly.
He reaches out to her with a sad huff and places a comforting hand on Ruth's shoulder, giving it an empathetic squeeze. She avoids looking at him as tears welled in the corners of her eyes.
"If you need someone to talk to, Ruth, I'm here if you need me."
She hesitantly glides her gaze on his and offers a small smile.
"Thank you, Billy."
He mirrors her smile while gently kneading her shoulder, then rubs her back.
"You're welcome, Ruth."
A gentle silence falls between them for a moment, really just enjoying one another's company for the first time. It breaks, though, when Bill speaks.
"Come on. Let's get out of here before whoever is living here catches us."
Ruth's smile widens, and she lightly nods her head.
Bill takes her hand into his then guides her towards the backdoor.
"Billy," Ruth starts softly and with just a tinge of uncertainty.
He hums in response.
"Can, can I entrust you with a secret?"
Bill blinks and tightens his grip on her hand.
"Yes. You can trust me, Ruth."
She sighs heavily, confidence starting to shine again in her eyes.
"Let's not speak here, though," she started to say more before Bill interrupted.
"We can go to my place. My parents are not home anyway. So, it would just be us."
Ruth is a little startled at the invitation since no one ever asked her to come over to their place. However, she smiles brightly, and a light blush graces her cheeks.
"Oh? Will they be okay with you bringing a girl home alone?"
Bill dismissively shrugs, "I'm sure they'll be with it. I mean, it's not like we're going to be doing anything… you know."
Ruth lightly chuckles.
"I know. I mean, we're kind of sorta friends, right?"
Bill beams proudly, "Of course, we are. Even though we never really talked until now."
"And without you stuttering, too. It seems your lessons are coming along well."
He shrugs again. "Eh, kind of, but it seems you make me feel more confident in myself than anyone else."
Ruth says nothing, just smiles softly as Bill shows her out first, then himself into the brisk gray autumn.
Behind them, Pennywise pokes his head from the top doorframe, watching the two teenagers leave the house hand in hand. His lips are exaggeratedly pursed, and non-existent brows are drawn so close to hold a pencil between his eyes. He has to wonder what secret Ruth will tell the Stuttering Boy. Pennywise doubts she will reveal her involvement with him to anyone. She has been incredibly faithful to her promise. The thought of her letting Bill in about her stalker friend entered his mind. It's the only one she might talk about. At the same time, though, Ruth also vowed to never speak of Rune and the dangerous syndicate he is involved in.
If it's none of those two, what other secret does Ruth have, and is she hiding it from him?