A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you all are having a good week so far. I wanted to wait until the weekend to post, but I felt like updating early. This is the second to last chapter of events that led up to the snippet. After Chapter 8, the story progresses forwards. Of course, you will see a possible friendship between Pennywise and Ruth. Her relationships with the members of The Losers Club will come to light as well. Plus, there are some surprises ahead, so get ready.
I did end up going back and nixed the scene where Ruth is losing her mind. I found it unappealing after reading it over. Sorry about that.
Anyway, enjoy the read, and thanks for the reviews! :D
It's dark in the house and quiet. Much too quiet for Ruth's liking. She enjoys it to a degree, but when Ruth deals with this silence, it's usually thick and uneasy. After surviving Jonathan's anger, Ruth hid in her room and cried. She wept for an hour straight. Her eyes are red and swollen, her fingers ached from grasping her pillow, and her throat is scratchy from wailing.
She is thankful that Jonathan didn't come in here and ask about the gift. When Ruth got closer to the bed, she discovered it was something for Jonathan to use on her. Ruth had angrily flung it off with a swat of her hand. The sound of it hitting the wall was satisfying to a degree. She would prefer to burn the thing along with the red nightie he provided, as well.
The fucking pig, she thought to herself.
Ruth laid awake, forced herself, really. She doesn't want to sleep, not here. She stared at the door, keeping an eye out for shadows. Ruth eyed her bedroom door for the last several hours now. She heard Jordan return from work about an hour ago, who brought a guy from the restaurant home. Jordan made Jonathan sleep on the couch to partake in her festivities. She heard all the sounds her mother made, which Ruth rolled her eyes in displeasure. Ruth is astounded that Jonathan tolerates Jordan to openly cheat on him. Does he not care or something? No, of course not. He would much rather take his sexual frustrations out on Ruth.
With both of her parents, along with Jordan's bed partner, sawing logs, Ruth won't sleep. She laid awake for a reason. Ruth scans her eyes off the door over to her shoes by her bedside. She slowly and quietly slid off. Ruth decided long ago she was going to sneak out and find someplace to sleep for the night.
Ruth was quick to slip on her shoes and wrapped herself in a lightweight robe. With soft steps, Ruth approached her bedroom door. She stopped when something occurred to her. Jonathan might hear her sneaking out. Plus, they lock the door before either of them goes to bed. She can't lockup from outside. Ruth would need the spare key, and Jordan has it. There is a third one, but Ruth doesn't know where it would be. Jonathan hid it somewhere upfront and didn't tell her.
God, argh! Damnit! So, much for that, Ruth thought to herself.
Her shoulders sagged in defeat when a thought occurred to her.
She glances over her shoulder at the window, humming to herself. She draws near and inspects the sill. Ruth can easily remove the screen and replace it. She would have to leave the latch unlocked to get back in. Her parents never come into her room anyway, only when Ruth is being punished. So, Ruth will be okay. She is careful in opening the window and removes the screen.
Ruth silently slips out.
It's definitely dark out here. I should have brought a damn flashlight with me, Ruth thought.
She wondered in silence for who knows how long. Ruth knows it is late. There are police cars around, too. She had to duck down several times to not be seen. Ruth didn't want to get caught, nor did she want them to take her home.
On the other hand, she would be able to talk about the abuse. If she did that, Ruth wouldn't have to deal with Jordan and Jonathan anymore. Of course, Ruth would then be left an orphan. She doesn't like the thought of being in a program where Ruth is waiting to be adopted. Ruth doesn't even care for the foster care agencies. She would be a severe case. Who would want to foster her anyway?
Ruth thought about a lot of things while she walked the streets. Not once did she encounter other people. She's glad about that. If a crazy saw her out here, who knows what would have happened. Ruth can hold her own. However, when it comes to people a lot stronger than her, she's doomed. Ruth can handle Jonathan. He may be fit, but Jonathan doesn't know much about physical altercations. Why do you think Ruth can escape? He makes mistakes and leaves Ruth openings. The only way for Mr. Statue to put Ruth into submission is by clocking her in the head. He did so once, but Ruth had maneuvered out from underneath him despite seeing black. That was the day Ruth met Pennywise.
Her mouth curved into a bright smile from thinking about the clown. He may be an adult, but Ruth believes Pennywise would be an ideal candidate to hear her out. She doesn't see him in public. Well, Ruth doesn't even know what he looks like without the paint. She may have seen him without realizing it. Except, Ruth never saw a tall man waltzing down the street since she met him. Maybe the vintage clown suit is the only article of clothing he has. Ruth concluded that Pennywise is a homeless person, well semi-homeless. He is staying at Neibolt anyway. Ruth can only hope that he doesn't chase her off. She needs someone to talk with about her situation.
After what happened back at home, Ruth realized she desperately needs help. Her mind went to a dark place and thought about skewering Jonathan. She shudders from the thought. Yes, the pig deserves a form of punishment. Except, Ruth is not a killer. She won't murder him because of all the shit he put her through. Ruth can't even see herself killing Jordan. The only way she will ever kill any of them is if Ruth had to protect herself. Ruth can only hope that doesn't happen.
Ruth walked for nearly half an hour now. She's growing tired, and her feet are getting sore. Damn, how much longer?
It wasn't long when she got to the corner of her destination, the Neibolt House. Ruth sags in relief, sighing heavily.
"Finally," she says out loud.
Ruth glances around. She didn't know what to expect in this area at night. If there were anyone around, Ruth still wouldn't be able to see them. All she can see is gray outlines against the black. The moon is hidden from the clouds above. She sniffs, no scent of moisture. Ruth takes one more blind look around her before darting for the dark mass. Her fingers brush along the fence, guiding Ruth to the opening. As she got to the gate, Ruth got the feeling that something wasn't exactly right. Of course, with it being ink black, Ruth can't see what is causing her to feel anxious. She shook the feeling away to start up the cracked path for the front porch. Within minutes, her feet slammed into the bottom step. Ruth cries out.
"Ow! God, son of a bitch. I should have grabbed a flashlight. I can't see shit."
Ruth stoops low, feeling her way up the steps. It took a few moments, but she got to the top. Ruth started forwards when she remembered something. She left Pennywise a package of cracker jacks when Ruth was here earlier today. Her feet smoothed on the deck for the box, but couldn't find it. Ruth then felt something against her shoe and knocked it over. Curious, she bends to pick the object up. She fumbled in the dark, but Ruth found something. It's small, metal and had shape. Ruth felt a wave of excitement. Pennywise did eat the package of sweet popcorn. He decided to let her have the prize.
I wonder if he enjoyed it, she happily squeals, ecstatic.
Ruth snatches the prize with a grin then bounds for the door. She barges inside, her gaze landing on the stairwell. Moving quickly, Ruth stood at the foot of the steps.
"Pennywise!" She calls while grinning.
Silence.
Ruth pants as she started up the stairs, calling out to him again.
"Pennywise, are you here?"
You've got to be. Where else would you go? She thought to herself.
Ruth is greeted with more silence. She gulps harshly, feeling unwanted.
"Please, Pen. I really need to talk with somebody," Ruth cries.
Thud.
Ruth gasps, holding her breath. It was from downstairs. She could hear shuffling and more thudding sounds below her. Ruth slowly glances over her shoulder, watching the floorboards. It's much too dark to make out any shadows or decipher what is making the sounds. Ruth gulps slightly then descends the stairs silently. She doesn't want to spook whoever is downstairs. It could be Pennywise the Drunken Clown, but it could also be another intruder. To be sure, Ruth has to investigate.
She remained silent and stepped lightly, her eyes scanning the dark in controlled alarm. From her right shoulder, Ruth can see the den. The Victorian couch is a dark mass against the equally dark slate walls. No light came through as 2x4 boards blocked entry. She slowly eases herself in the room, her fingers brushing the walls to keep close. The intruder could be along the walls, waiting. If they were, someone would get one hell of a surprise. Small and frail Ruth can and will fight if necessary.
Ruth eyed the couch from the wall, watching for secondary black shadows. She doesn't see any. The top of her head lightly brushed against the cobweb and leaves decorated chandelier. Ruth doesn't flinch because she knew what it was. She kept her left hand on the wall, her right gliding on the couch. The wood is smooth, and the fabric stiff. With a light press, the padding is firm yet slightly soft.
This will be the perfect spot to sleep, Ruth thought.
Her gaze shifts to the boarded window. The wooden boards looked sturdy, but they very well could be dry-rutted. She steps towards the windowpane and grabs one of them. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Ruth analyzed the grain with her fingers. There is little give. Without second-guessing, Ruth pulled the board away. It cleanly comes off with a slight rip. She grabs another and pulls. Ruth took a few more out to create slots. It's enough that will bring in some light but won't be too noticeable for any passersby. Not like people come near here.
Ruth stepped back to see a clear view of the road. Perfect. She glances sideways from the horizontal slots; Ruth can see from either side. The dead ivy provided decent cover, as well. No one would be able to see her from outside.
Thud, thud, patter, patter.
Ruth's breath caught in her throat, her brows knitting close.
Well, that is certainly an odd combination. What would make that? Ruth thought.
She heard more thuds and rapid patters from directly behind her. Something is defiantly in this room. Ruth slowly stooped low, grasping one of the boards.
Thud, thud, patter, patter, patter.
Her breath labors, listening carefully to the approaching patter. Ruth's eyes narrow and bared her teeth as it got closer. Don't freak out, she slowly tells herself.
The cold prickle from earlier returned, but it seemed more like a searing heat. Ruth's breath quickens, her grip on the board tightening. Don't freak out, Ruth reminds herself a lot slower.
THUD, THUD.
A single huff leaves Ruth's lung, slowly glancing over her narrow shoulder. She didn't react straight away, but her eyes widened to the size of saucers. What the fuck?
Behind her is a giant gray and hairy eight-legged freak of a spider. Ruth reflects on their many gold beady eyes. It stares at her, the pincers twitching. It makes a low screech, moving forwards. A startled scream leaves her lips, balking backward a foot towards the wall. It drew near, inches away from her face. After the initial shock, Ruth glares hardly and shields herself with the board. It collides into the wood, forcing Ruth into the drywall. She crashes with a grunt but is quick to move. Ruth avoids a swinging leg, ducking low and grabs at another board.
She struck the spider, but it continued after her. Its hairy legs swiped at her feet, hoping to knock Ruth down. Ruth recovered. She swung the board in front of her like a sword, striking a limb. The spider screams, inching closer. Ruth attempts to run but finally falls. She grunts upon impact, where she quickly got on her back to crawl away. One long leg lands right by her head, causing her to scream. Ruth rolls away as another leg crashes by her ear.
"Go away!" Ruth screams, scrambling backward.
She catches sight of the board that fell out of her hand. Ruth goes for it, only to pull away when a claw came close to impaling her hand. The spider lunges, trapping her from underneath. It hisses, exposing these gnarly piranha-like teeth. She stares at it in fright but is determined to fight the thing off. Her jaw squares then kicked at the abdomen with a cry. It screeches but refuses to back down. Ruth slid back, kicks at its carapace, and shoves herself against the giant arachnid. She pushes the thing back enough to escape.
Ruth rushes out from underneath the spider and grabs the thick board. The spider will not give up so easily. It charges after Ruth towards the other side of the room. She swung at a leg, trying to knock it down herself. It refused to fall. Ruth may want an out of her horrid life, but she is not going to die from a spider that is not real. They don't get this big or have gold eyes. This thing is purely fictional, and Ruth is not afraid of make-believe. She watched it charge at an alarming speed, but Ruth held her ground. Ruth gripped the board and took a wide stance as if she were at a high striker game.
"I am not afraid of you!" Ruth enunciates through clenched teeth.
She rose the board high above her head and slams it down the middle of the giant spider's head with a grunt of a cry. Remember in the cartoons where a character would hit another on the head with a mallet? The person would generally splay his arms and legs. Well, that's what happened when Ruth connected the board on the spider. Its long hairy limbs flared outwards, twitching. Yet an unexpected sound came out of its pincers.
"YEOW!"
Ruth stepped back, alarmed yet perplexed. How can a giant spider speak? The unrealistically large arachnid slowly transforms before Ruth's eyes. It writhed and unpleasantly groaned. Ruth stepped further away, watching in stunned horror as the writhing creature shrunk. Her eyes widen, and mouth gaped from the sight. She even drops the 2X4 with a loud thunk. The giant spider slowly but surely transitioned from its hairy spindly self into something Ruth is all too familiar with. The spider became the clown Ruth saw yesterday, Pennywise. His eyes glowed a menacing gold, shrinking into the shadows with a toothy snarl.
"Irritating child," the clown growled, disappearing.
Ruth's shallow breathes stalled. She realized then that Pennywise the Dancing Clown is not ordinary. No, Pennywise is something else. Something that Ruth should be afraid of but felt no fear. Ruth eyed the spot of which he disappeared curiously. She waited for the entity to reappear, but never did. The silence afterward is thick and eerie. The only thing Ruth can hear is her heart drumming in her ears. An intense moment went by when Ruth's voice disturbs the silence.
"What, what are you?" Ruth inquires in a whisper.
She knows Pennywise is not going to answer. Ruth wouldn't either after getting hit square on the noggin. She kept her eyes on the corner of where Pennywise disappeared, waiting for him to return. He won't, at least not until morning, maybe. Ruth needs to be cautious with him now. She is quick to understand that Pennywise is an alien being. Almost like the horrifying creature from The Thing movie.
Phew, MacReady would go nuts over this one, that's for damn sure. Although that was cool, Ruth thought.
Ruth also knows this; his abilities are extraordinary. She, in a way, envies the creature. Pennywise can apparently morph into things that people fear. She knows this as Ruth used to be terrified of the Goliath Bird-Eater spider. If Pennywise can shape-shift into what she feared long ago, then that would mean he was poking at her brain last night. He was looking for some ammo. Ruth then had to wonder if he was responsible for the disappearing cookies. If so, did he give those to her as a way to get Ruth to sleep? She wasn't tired at that point. Maybe he did leave them for her. Ruth, in a particular light, wants to be angry at him.
On the other hand, Ruth feels delighted. The shape-shifting clown gave Ruth some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies as they were perfectly sweetened and chewy. That is Ruth's ideal cookie anyway. Maybe he dived into her mind to entice her somehow. Well, Pennywise accomplished something. Because now, Ruth wants more of those delicious cookies.
She then had to wonder what would happen if Ruth had his abilities. It would be like Ruth's real first Christmas morning. Ruth would be overjoyed. Oh, how much fun she would have. Amber, wait no, drop that. Ruth Greyson, the shape-shifting teenager, scares the shit out of people who have hurt her. Richie "Gray Water" Tozier will undoubtedly be on the list, even Beverly Marsh. Twitchy Eddie will be exceptionally thrilling to scare. Henry "Mullet Head" Bowers and his goons will be even more exciting.
Alas, Ruth doesn't have that ability. If she were able to dematerialize into the shadows like Batman, the caped crusader, it would get her out of the public eye. You know, disappear.
What other inhuman abilities does he have? Ruth wondered.
With a sigh, Ruth returns to the den. She needs to sleep somehow but is very much awake. Her running here and fighting off Pennywise, the Gigantic Spider hyped her up. Ruth knows what will happen if she doesn't get the desired amount of sleep. She will have to figure out what to do to fall asleep.
When she approached the den where the couch sat, it was on its side. It must have taken a tumble when Ruth ran from the spider. She heavily sighs then approaches the turned over furniture, setting it right. Once in place, Ruth climbed on the firm foam padding. It's a little uncomfortable. She laid straight, but her legs are hanging off the edge some. Ruth hums to herself, eyeing her ugly hand-me-down shoes. They are slip-on shoes with very little insoles left and are an atrocious yellow-green snot color. Jordan gave them to her since they both have small feet. She got tired of them as they had little comfort for her job. Ruth will wear them as its something to protect her feet. She has two more pairs that are a bit nicer and are brown. Black is not precisely an attractive color on her. Ruth will just look paler like a vampire.
Ruth heaves a sigh and kicks off the monstrosities. She grew uncomfortable on her back, where Ruth then slowly eases herself on her left side. A chill rocketed through her body from the summer evening chill. She hugs herself for warmth, settling close to the padded couch. Ruth laid there for a moment, sleep seems to not exist in her mind. She is wide awake. How can she fall asleep?
She searched her mind for a song or any nursery rhyme that could lull her to sleep. When nothing came to mind, Ruth glances over at the corner where Pennywise disappeared. She eyes the spot guiltily.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know that was you. Forgive me?"
Ruth watched the corner, sighing. If she had known that Pennywise was the shapeshifter thing, Ruth wouldn't have hurt him so badly. Ruth thought she would be able to talk with him. He seems to keep himself out of the public eye anyway. Well, Pennywise probably needs to since he is a species unknown to man. His abilities are intriguing. Ruth wants to know more about this fascinating creature thing. If she can at least talk with him about what is going on, Ruth would feel a little better. The fact Ruth lost her mind of wanting to kill Jonathan is a sign she needs to share. Ruth wants someone to hear her story and maybe provide comfort. If they do, that's wonderful! If not, it's okay. Ruth doesn't necessarily want support right now.
Ruth really wants to reach out to an actual person. If she did, Ruth fears Jordan or Jonathan will find out. Whenever they do find out, which she hopes not, Jordan will kill her. Ruth has this horrible feeling that this may be her last summer. If so, she wants to make it count. Maybe Ruth should try talking to Mike or even Stan. They seem to show interest in her. But who can Ruth trust the most, Mike or Stan?
She sighs heavily, sleeping still far from her mind. Ruth then remembers the ting-a-ling sound from last night as they remind her of soft bells. Like the ones from Pennywise's clown suit. She replays the melodious jingle with a light smile. Ruth picked something fitting to loll her to sleep.
"Gay go up, and gay go down," Ruth started in a fluted tone.
"To ring the bells of London town."
Ting-a-ling, the sound replays in her mind.
"Bull's eyes and targets, Say the bells of St. Margret's."
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling
"Brickbats and tiles, Say the bells of St. Giles'."
"Halfpence and farthings, Say the bells of St. Martin's."
Ruth sang the traditional English nursery rhyme in the intended melody, like the change of rings. It's the earlier version and one that Ruth likes more than today's rewrite.
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling, the melody replays softly in her head.
"Oranges and lemons, Say the bells of St. Clement's."
"Pancakes and fritters, Say the bells of St. Peter's."
Ting-a-ling, ting-ling.
The hypnotic melody slowly made Ruth drowsy. Her eyes never left the corner as they grew heavy.
"Two sticks and an apple, Say the bells at Whitechapel."
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling.
"Pokers and tongs, Say the bells at St. John's."
"Kettles and pans, Say the bells at St. Ann's."
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling.
"Old Father Baldpate, Say the slow bells at Aldgate."
"Maids in white Aprons, Say the bells," Ruth trails off.
Ruth couldn't finish the rhyme. She falls in a very much needed deep sleep.