A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you all are having a good week. I've been doing some back and forth with a couple of scenes while working on this chapter. I have several more constructed out but have quite a bit of writing to do still.

In the meantime, enjoy the read! :)

It gets hard at times to avoid the staring. It's a constant factor when in the public eye. Some would glare with distaste while others snub their nose. There's one that bothers Ruth the most. It's that look of "just die already." She sees that expression more often than anything else. Ruth has thought about it, ending her suffering. Except, there are times Ruth holds onto hope that someone will look her way and smile brightly at her. You know, one of those grins that let her know they are happy to see her. Ruth wishes someone will look past the horrid nickname and give her a chance.

She knows Stanley Uris smiles. Except, he's acknowledging her. For Ruth, that is not enough. If someone is going to notice her and bother smiling, make it count. She can tell he wants to do more but is afraid of taking that step. Ruth has tried numerous times, but Twitchy Eddie stops her from getting close. The Tozier Boy is even worse. He tends to throw the nickname around and crack jokes. Most of them are somewhat funny. Richie just likes to pour more salt on the wound. Stanley always keeps quiet when Eddie and Richie laugh, avoiding eye contact with her.

So, Ruth resulted in keeping her distance from those three. Ruth does, however, wished she were like Richie. She may hate him for making fun of her, but the boy is hilarious. Ruth remembered pulling a prank on Eddie for her enjoyment. The outcome is what she expected. However, Richie tattled after Eddie screamed like a little girl. She was laughing, well chuckling. Ruth hoped that it would get Richie to laugh and realize she is not stuck-up or better than him. It was the wrong thing to do, Ruth knew that. If it got Richie to laugh then, it would be worth the punishment. No, he didn't find it funny. Gaining Richie's friendship by pulling a prank on Twitchy was not the answer.

Of course, she got into trouble and was sent to the principal's office. Ruth was in even more trouble when they called on her mother at work. That woman was not happy. Jordan smacked her around, busting Ruth's lip. Thankfully, Jonathan called her off. Ruth was even more grateful he didn't do anything to her that night. It helped though to have a door lock. It keeps him out, but Jonathan can kick down doors. With him being a contractor in construction and can repair a door frame on the fly, Jonathan will barge in on her if he wanted.

That's another thing Ruth wished. That they would disappear. Except, she knew what would happen if they did. It's off to a foster care system or an orphanage, which Ruth doesn't want a part of it. Ruth certainly can't ask for help when no one wants nothing to do with her.

Ruth sighs heavily, reading in the corner. It's been no more than five minutes since Ben ran out of here. She hopes that he remembered her warning and watch out for Bowers. She has to be careful, too. If Henry Bowers does anything else to her, Jordan will do something about it. She hates the mullet head for some strange reason. Of course, Jordan will never reveal why.

"Amidst the mists and coldest frosts," Mrs. Starret suddenly spoke, drawing Ruth out of her thoughts.

Even while she read, Ruth is still able to finish.

"He thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts."

She looks up at the librarian then, curious.

What does she want?

"You've memorized the rhyme well since you read it what seven times now. It's quite a record." The woman comments amusingly.

"You're certainly going out of your way in talking to me, Mrs. Starret. I thought you hated me."

"Oh, I do. I couldn't help but notice the small tower of books you're building. Interesting choices. One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath classic American Literature." She names off the books while picking them up and observing the spine.

"Of course, your favorite Donovan's Brain. Ooh, another classic and my personal favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird. And what's this one you're reading." Mrs. Starret rambles excitedly, lifting the book slightly to see the title of Ruth's current read.

"Oh, hum. That is huh, an interesting pick and macabre."

Ruth stares at Mrs. Starret, hiding a pleased smirk. "Yeah, I'm just broadening my horizons. If you don't mind me asking, but what are you doing over here?"

The woman folds her arms. "I only wanted to check in on you. Are you going to check out those books today?"

Ruth's brows droop downwards. "I'm confused. I thought you didn't want me to leave here with books in my possession."

The woman pauses for a moment, resisting a shiver.

"A change in heart, of the sort. Plus, you can't hide here forever, Miss Greyson. We do have specific hours, you know."

A weight sat on Ruth's shoulders, she gulps. "I know. It's at least someplace to go instead of being home all the time."

Mrs. Starret noticed the girl's tone then glances down at Ruth's arms. Her eyes land on the scars. Some are self-inflicted, others were caused by someone else. Ruth caught the woman staring at them. She lays the book on the table before concealing her arms and hands under the table. Mrs. Starret realized she shouldn't have seen the scars on the young girl. She leans and gently takes the books.

"Stay as long as you need. I'll leave this stack upfront for you until you are ready. I'm sure you haven't gotten to read all of them yet. Enjoy your horror book, Miss Greyson."

The woman turns away, shutting her eyes in guilt.

"Oh, that poor child," she mouthed to herself, leaving a confused Ruth to stare at her.

Mrs. Starret treated Ruth differently for the rest of the afternoon. It was certainly strange. Although Ruth liked the change. Maybe things are looking up for her in some areas. Except she still gets those looks from civilians who don't recognize the scars. Is that why the librarian Mrs. Starret acted differently? Because the wounds showed the abuse that her parents lay on her? This gave Ruth a chance to reach out to someone else for help. If they see the physical scars, maybe they can look past the horrid nickname.

Ruth leisurely walked down the sidewalk, paying no mind to the civilians she passed. She held onto the library books tightly and with a light smile. Ruth is looking forward to finishing up the horror book she started. As Mrs. Starret put it, the novel is macabre. She enjoys a good horror book, but this one, in particular, enthralled her. It may even become her new favorite.

As she walked with her smile, Ruth never noticed the downwind threat.

"Hey, Greyson," a voice Ruth is familiar with called.

She stalls, her smile vanishing into a deep frown and eyes widened.

Oh, fuck!

Ruth attempts to run but stops when arms wrap around her neck possessively. Another grabs Ruth from behind, groping her. She growls, quickly snapping a hand to smack at the perv.

She backhands Victor who gawks at her but grins wildly. "Will you ever learn to keep your hands to yourself, you deviant?"

"You should learn by now that I won't." He deviously smirks with a wink.

Ruth visibly cringes.

"Ooh, what do we have here?" Belch smirks, grabbing at the books.

"Careful with those, sausage fingers. They're library books, not your superhero comics to miss handle."

"Pipe it down, Greyson, we just want to say "hello." Is there something wrong with that?" Henry asked her, who has his arm around her.

Ruth inwardly groans, not liking him being this close. Get your slimy arm off me, Mullet Head!

"You're not supposed to be near me, you dolt. Now leave me be, I'm not in the mood for you."

"Hey! Listen, Greyson, I'm not in the mood either. My old man is going to have my ass for losing my pocketknife." He bit, his eyes glaring dangerously at her.

"Aw, did the poor little baby lose his toy?" Ruth mocked.

You dumbass, keep your mouth shut!

"It's not a toy. I freaking lost it chasing Tit's around."

"Tits? Did a big-chested girl catch your attention?"

Henry goes to answer when Belch reads out loud the books she has.

"You got a lot of books here, bookworm. To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and what is this one? The Hellbound Heart. Pfft, I figured you would be into romance, Greyson."

Ruth rolls her eyes. "It's a horror novel, you dingus. Now hand them over."

"Naw, I think I'm going to hold onto these."

"If you_." Ruth stopped when she noticed something.

She glances from Belch to Victor, then Henry. Wait a minute, where is the tall dingus?

"Where, where's Patrick?" Ruth gently asked, confused.

The three didn't say anything at first, only shrugged.

"We don't know. We chased the fat kid, Ben Hanscom, into the barrens. Patrick went after him, but haven't seen him since. I'm sure he's still looking." Victor explained, hopeful.

"Or he's gone missing like the others." Ruth momentarily suggests.

She probably shouldn't have said it though. Henry's grip on her shoulder tightened.

"Don't you say that! He's fine! He, he just got held up." Henry yells, his fury showing.

This might be Ruth's opening. "What's the matter, Henry? Do you miss your boyfriend already?"

Belch and Victor take a step back, brows arched high.

"Welp, she's dead," Vic whispered to Belch.

"Five bucks she escapes." Belch wagered.

"Ten, she trips AND escapes." Vic counters.

"Done."

They both shook on it, watching the encounter unfold.

Henry doesn't pay attention to them. He jaw sets, fire burning in his gaze. "Don't push me, Greyson." He warns.

"Oh, come on, Henry. You mean to tell me there isn't anything going on between you two?"

Henry's anger boiled over.

"Victor, give me your knife."

"Henry, just calm down."

"Give it here, now!" He orders, glaring at Ruth.

She's not afraid, though. Ruth has a plan going through her head.

Victor was reluctant, but he did give Henry his pocketknife.

Henry grips the hilt harshly, eyeing Ruth viciously.

"Say that again, Greyson, I'll scar that pretty face of yours." He threatens.

Ruth inwardly grins, waiting for her opening.

"Go ahead then. You're not afraid of what Jordan might do to you, are you? Or, are you scared your father will do something? Do know, we're a lot alike, Bowers. So, go on. Cut me."

His lips tighten. "Don't test me, Ruthie."

Ruth unknowingly smirks, it only made Henry angrier.

"Cut me, queer."

"Hey, what's going on over there?" A bystander questioned as they came towards them.

Henry and the gang glanced over their shoulders to the intruder. Opportunity struck. Ruth is quick to elbow Henry in the ribs and stomach then knees him in the groin. He lets go, groaning. Ruth thrusts the heel of palm upwards at Belch's nose and snatches the books back, one of them falls. Victor steps back with arms up to avoid getting hit, but Ruth punched him anyway in the jaw. After assaulting the idiots, Ruth sprints.

"Argh! I think she broke my nose!" Belch yells.

"She kneed me in the gonads. How do you think I feel?" Henry pauses, groaning. "Go after her Vic!" Henry shouts.

Victor quickly followed instruction and went tearing after Ruth.

"Get the car, Belch!" Henry instructed then followed behind Victor.

He grunts, his nose bleeding. Belch stumbled over the dropped book, which he is quick to snatch up. He stops briefly, eyeballing the books cover.

"Hmm, Interesting," he says to himself.

Belch decides to watch Henry and Victor chase after Ruth instead of getting his car. He wants to make sure that she escapes unscathed. He doesn't want anything to happen to her.

Ruth pants heavily. The wind whistles past her ears and her small feet pound harshly on the pavement. She is not exactly the best runner, but not great, either. Ruth can run if she had to but prefers not to. Her feet get sore quickly, and her knees ache, plus Ruth gets horrible shin splits. She can hear Victor and Henry running after her, which Ruth figured would happen.

She glances over her shoulder at them. Ruth put some distance between them and can see they are running out of energy, Henry especially. She can see it in his eyes, he's growing tired. Victor is even showing signs of exhaustion. Ruth grins proudly. Ha!

Along with not being that great of a runner, Ruth is no swan either. She can stand on her own two feet, but the girl tends to trip over her own shadow. Exhaustion is usually the cause of her clumsiness. Poor Ruth doesn't get a whole lot of sleep these days. Being tired and lack of grace is not a favorable combination either. When Ruth is in a rush like right now, she can be reckless and careless at times. She sees her escape for freedom in hindsight, the other side of the crosswalk. At this pace, Ruth can get there before the three-thirty delivery truck. The determined girl crosses the road.

Ruth can hear Victor and Henry slowing down, which made her grin victoriously. She makes a final glance over her shoulder at them. They slowly come to a stop, panting to catch their breath. Ruth can feel Henry's livid gaze on her. Victor can only watch in exhaustion. Except, his expression from afar changes and starts after her again. Victor even calls out to her. Henry does, too. They both look frantic. Why?

She is confused by their sudden panic, but Ruth doesn't stop. Without looking ahead of her, Ruth failed to notice the flashing "don't walk" sign. Even worse, Ruth trips. She was only a few feet away from the curb when she took the fall. The books that were in her arm fly out in front of her. Ruth lands harshly on her chest, scraping her hands and elbows. She had to get up, but her legs were not responding. The run weakened Ruth, especially since she hasn't eaten at all today. Ruth grew dizzy, stumbling up.

Ruth can hear her name.

"RUTH!" Henry calls.

That's when she hears it, a blare of a horn.

SHIT!

Ruth attempts to run out of the way, but her damn knees lock. She crashes to the ground again, exhausted and lightheaded.

"RUTH!"

The horn blares louder.

Ruth fights the exhaustion to stand again, but she can tell it's near impossible to get out of the damage path now. She tries, anyway. When Ruth did manage to get her bearings after the fall, the truck was drawing ever closer. She doesn't glance at it. Ruth starts to move when a hard tug and arms wrap around her chest to pull her out of the damage path. Ruth is thrown harshly to the ground, grunting.

The horn pierces her ears as the truck zoomed past her.

Ruth covers her ears from the loud noise. She is grateful someone was kind of enough to save her. She glances over her narrow shoulder to see who her savior was. Ruth finds a black boy panicking, but he's not eyeing her. He gathers the fallen books in a frenzy and tosses them inside a basket on his bicycle.

"Come on, lady, we got to go!" the boy yells.

He is quick to help her up, guiding her to his bike.

"Who, who?"

"We don't have time for this, lady. Come on now, get on!" The boy replies quickly.

Ruth glances at the object, her brows high. "Where?"

"RUTH!"

Ruth hears Henry's frantically call. She glances over her shoulder to see him running after her, concern still etched on his features.

"Shit! Tell me where!"

"Basket! Get in the basket!"

"In there?" Ruth questions, pointing.

The boy snatches Ruth at the waist and hoists her into the basket. Ruth fits snuggly and securely. It felt weird with there being books underneath her, but it's passable. They both hear Henry calling to them and getting closer.

"I'm Mike, by the way," Mike whispers into her ear.

Ruth doesn't get to introduce herself when Mike started pedaling, and he is fast. Mike rode like the speed of lightning. The wind rushed past her ears as if she were on a bungee jump. The warm air stung her eyes, preventing Ruth to watch. Instead, she imagined herself on a roller coaster at a carnival. Ruth imagined all the smells from buttery popcorn to funnel cakes and her personal favorite cotton candy. She could hear the sounds of metal clanging and bang on the tracks from jostling around on curves. Her body responds with Mike's jarring movements as he took a sudden left. He zooms down the sidewalk and takes another hard turn, Ruth leans again.

She didn't realize since her eyes were closed to enjoy the rush that Henry and Victor were no longer following behind. Mike had lost them a few blocks back. It didn't stop him to put a significant amount of distance between her and Mike. He makes more jarring turns, zipping in and out of obstacles that came in his path. It was exhilarating. Never has Ruth felt such a rush. Ruth felt human. She wasn't anyone's punching bag or the dreaded name Ruth has grown to adopt. No, Ruth felt like she was soaring through the clouds. No bungee jump can accomplish such a feeling. Ruth felt free.

Unfortunately, her soaring high had to come to a disappointing end. A jolt from Mike's bicycle stopping pulled her out of it. She blinks, slowing becoming aware of her surroundings. There was no blue sky or fluffy white clouds. They are on a side street filled with wooden crates, a dumpster and the back of a butcher shop. Ruth wished Mike hadn't stopped. She got the taste of freedom for once. A hard lump sat in her throat, saddened that she is back to her harsh reality.

"Phew, that was a close one." Mike's voice rang in her ears.

She sat in the basket; her gaze seemingly dejected. Ruth shudders, the thought of being alone with Mike unnerving now. She has instruction from her oh so wonderful mother. "Don't allow anyone near you." It's an order Ruth has to reluctantly live by. Of course, there have been occasions Ruth ignored it. Approaching Bill about his sweet brother was one instance. Another was wanting to talk with Stanley. Ruth is going to ignore the warning again.

"Yeah, yeah it certainly was," admits Ruth.

"What were you thinking anyway crossing the road without looking? You could have gotten yourself killed, girly." Says Mike, watching Ruth for a moment.

He took in her adorable feminine features, entranced by her beauty. Her wavy beach hair is a windblown mess but played nicely against her fair and creamy skin. Mike noticed the faint freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her hazel eyes appeared gold today as Ruth wore a mauve top and high-waist jeans. Mike then saw the scars. Most of them are old, while a few are fresh. He looks past the self-inflicted ones. He realized then something off about Ruth. She seemed lifeless. Is Mike going to shy away from her because of his findings? No. Mike is unnerved by those scars.

How did she get those? Mike questions to himself.

"Getting away from Bowers was the only thing on my mind at the time." Ruth suddenly answers, drawing Mike out of his head.

He blinks, noticing Ruth struggling to get out of the basket.

"Oh, uh sorry. Here, let me help you."

Mike doesn't hesitate in scooping her into his arms and lifts her out. He handles Ruth with such ease that it took her by surprise. Mike noted that Ruth is alarmingly light. He can feel some bone, and it is not because of her small frame. Mike gulps, worried now for the girl. He gently sets Ruth down, avoiding eye contact. Mike sees Ruth turn away, hiding the flush of pink on her cheeks and presses her lips.

"Um, uh thank you. Mike was it?" She inquired and made a small glance at him.

He perks and regards Ruth with a big grin. "Mike Hanlon, or The Home School Kid to some."

Ruth shyly smirks. "I'm Ruth or The Bastard Kid to most."

Wait, she's the bastard kid?

"Um, I'm a little out of the loop here. Why would people call you that?" Mike asks, confused.

"Because of my mother's bad choices, that's why." Ruth instantly answers.

He blew raspberries. "Well, that's just stupid. Calling you that because someone else's life choices are in poor taste. Screw them then."

Ruth smiles. "Yeah, I know. I'm getting used to it though."

"Well, you're going to stop getting to use to it. From now on, you are just Ruth. If anyone says different, I'll punch them. Or throw meat into their face." He grins.

Ruth's smile widens, chuckling only slightly.

"Thanks, Mike. And, thank you for earlier."

"Hey, no problem. I'm more than willing to save a damsel in distress." Mike responds, grinning still.

He turns away to rummage through the basket for her books. "Although damsels usually don't punch. Nice right hook, by the way. I saw what was going on from afar. If I were a lot closer, I would have been able to jump in and help."

"Getting involved in that skirmish would have gotten you hurt, Mike."

"Possibly, but I still would have been able to help. No one should ignore a pretty girl like yourself. Uh I mean," Mike stumbled.

Ruth tilts her head slightly, smirking at him. "Did you just say I'm pretty?" She inquires, unknowingly rolling a shoulder.

He stutters, unable to answer. Instead, Mike clears his throat and redirects the conversation elsewhere. "This is a lot of books you have here. What are you going to do, hole yourself up, and read all summer?"

She smirks still. "Yeah, something like that. It will keep me busy anyway."

"Good picks, too. I guess you're into Classic American Literature. To Kill a Mockingbird, One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Grapes of Wrath. I see you have this year's summer read, Of Mice and Men. I would have to go to the library at some point and read it myself."

Ruth's brows knit, leaning to peer into the basket. "There should be another one."

Mike looked but found none, only the ones in his hand. "No, it's just these four. Why? Was there supposed to be another?"

It dawned on her then. "Oh, shit and Shinola!"

Mike laughs, amused. "Oh, shit and Shinola? Never heard that one before."

Ruth groans, dismayed. "Dammit, it must have dropped when I first ran from the dinguses. Fuck, Mrs. Starret is going to kill me."

"Don't worry, Ruth. I'm sure one of the dinguses has it." Mike reassures, grinning.

In the back of his mind, he's confident the book is laying where Ruth dropped it.

"Yeah, that's highly unlikely. I avoid Henry Bowers and his goons for a reason. Best case scenario, it's laying where it dropped. I just have to go back and check." Ruth replies.

"Alone?"

"I'll be fine, Mike. Thanks for what you did earlier." Ruth lightly smiles.

Mike returns the gesture. "You're welcome, Ruth."

There is a pause. Neither Ruth or Mike speak for a minute, leaving the two teenagers in awkward silence. It is disturbed when Mike clears his throat.

"So, uh I guess I'll see you around?" Mike asks, staring at Ruth hopefully.

Ruth gently smiles. "Yeah, maybe."

She immediately turns only to stop. A thought crossed her mind as Ruth stared at the cover Of Mice and Men. Her fingers brushing it lightly.

"Hey, Mike," Ruth calls.

Mike had started to enter the back of the butcher shop, turning to Ruth. "Yes?"

Ruth hesitated at first but eventually approached the boy. I hope I'm doing the right thing here.

She opens her mouth, only to close it. She pondered on how to articulate her words when they are apparent in her head. After a second, Ruth speaks.

"You haven't read Of Mice and Men yet, correct?"

Mike regards her, slightly confused. "Not yet. Why?"

"Do you want to borrow the book from me?"

Mike pauses, baffled. "Can you do that?"

"Probably not, but I think I can trust you enough to keep the book safe until you're finished. I've read it plenty of times to know what happens. Other than Donovan's Brain, this one is my most favorite."

Ruth holds it out to him. She stood patiently, waiting for him to decline her offer. Ruth expected him to, it's hardwired into her brain that rejection is standard.

Mike stares. This is a first for him. He meets a comely girl, the Bastard Kid, who appears small and frail is sweet and kind. Who in their right mind would turn her away?

He shyly grins, gingerly taking the book from her. "Thank you, Ruth. That's very kind of you to offer. Since it is favorite, I will be extra careful with it. I guess I will see you around after all."

Ruth grins and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. "I guess so. It was nice to meet you, Mike."

She then turns away, ignoring the stinging on her elbows. Mike noticed the injury.

"Do you need help with that? The scrapes on your arms?"

"Oh no, I got it. Thanks, though." Ruth replies quickly, glancing at him.

"You sure?"

"Positive. I'm practically a registered nurse." Ruth flinches.

She shouldn't have said that. Revealing anything to Mike about home life is much too soon.

"What does that supposed to mean?" He asks, disturbed.

"Nothing!" Ruth squeaks, quickly turning away.

Oh, shit and Shinola! You stupid girl!

Mike noticed her change in behavior, growing alarmed. Instead of pressing further, he calls out to her.

"It was nice meeting you, too, Ruth. I'll see you around." Mike trailed off.

Ruth already disappeared. Mike is left wondering why Ruth seemed haunted by what she had said. He's not going to ignore the sense of dread settling in his bones. Something about her seemed off, and god forbid, Mike Hanlon wants to help her.