A/N: Hey, guys! I hope you all are having a good weekend so far. While I continue writing the chapters, I'm working on an illustration for the story cover. I will have it up soon. Currently, chapter ten is nearing completion. I might be able to post next weekend, but I will be on vacation then.
Anyway, enjoy the read!
Now
The overturned couch is appealing. It laid on its side as a reminder of what happened moments ago.
Ruth stares at it, tears threatening to fall. She recalls running like a bat out of hell down the street. Her cries for help gone answered. Ruth had never been that terrified or angry before. Her eyes drift from the couch to the dried blood trail. She didn't stop for anything last night, shoes especially. Ruth ran here a blubbering mess. She even called out for Pennywise while Ruth ran. At that point, Ruth didn't care who heard her. It was the first name that came to mind.
She remembers crashing inside, stumbling over here, and collapsed. Ruth wailed, bawling her eyes out. Jonathan has tried on several occasions advancing on her like that. Except, he was driven by rage. It took her a little over an hour to calm down. By that time, Pennywise came around. Ruth was focused on getting herself to sleep that she never knew he was there. She's glad, though. Otherwise, Ruth would have clubbed him again like usual. Although, Pennywise would have distracted Ruth from the horrid memory of her father trying to rape her.
Ruth thought about going to Mike's. Except, being in a new environment would put her on edge. Plus, she wouldn't be able to talk when Ruth got there. Plus, she doesn't think they would know how to console her. Ruth knows what would happen once she was able to speak. Jonathan would be put away, along with Jordan. They deserve it anyway. But Ruth doesn't want to take immediate action, at least not yet. She more so wants to talk with someone first.
The thought of going into town and looking for Mike came to mind. Ruth then remembered he left his number. She can call him from a payphone and have him meet her somewhere. If she does follow through with this plan, Ruth must be careful of where she goes. Jonathan has eyes around town. They can call and inform Jonathan of what Ruth is doing. It's a risk.
Ruth sighs heavily, unsure of what to do right now. A few tears rolled down her cheeks, but she is quick to ripe them away. Ruth does not want to go home, that's for sure. However, she can't hide here forever. Well, she could if Ruth had the necessities to survive. Ruth may have to start preparing a survival kit just in case something happens. She should slowly bring her things here. Ruth can at least do her chores while both Jordan and Jonathan are gone during the day. She'll come back here in the afternoons and stay until curfew. Ruth plans on eating whatever she can find for dinner there. If Jonathan cooks, she'll have her dinner in the room. If he forces her to eat in the dining room, Ruth will. She'll keep her mouth shut and only answer when asked. Doing all of this will make them believe Ruth has no choice but to stay there. Ruth will sneak out around eight-thirty to come back here when they're both asleep.
Is it worth it, though? Ruth questioned herself.
Ruth sighs. She looks about the room, searching for Pennywise. The only thing that is with her is the overturned couch. She curves her lips from remembering his obnoxious clown shoes sticking straight in the air. Ruth didn't know he was there. She was startled by him, but Ruth wasn't going to allow the creature to frighten her. He may be intimidating, but Ruth can tell there is more to him than this scary exterior. Perhaps she can draw out the funnier side of him. Yeah, that is a big maybe.
Ruth heaves one more sigh then crawled to the couch. She sets it back on its feet without a struggle. When the furniture was back in place, Ruth saw something flutter to the ground. Curious, she bends to retrieve a small piece of cloth. Ruth hums as she inspected it. She ends up finding something written on it that caused her brows to knit close. There were two words.
Stay…safe.
Ruth stares, blinking as warmth swelled in her chest. She smiles wide, then presses her lips when tears stung her eyes. It may be two simple words, but they meant a lot to her. Pennywise might be this horrific creature that scares children, but he is showing some compassion.
"Thank you," Ruth whispers.
She glances over her shoulder into the shadows. Ruth doesn't see him, but the cold prickle going along her spine told her differently. Pennywise is around, just not in plain sight.
So, that's what that cold shiver is about. Pennywise is nearby, watching, Ruth thought.
Ruth smiles still as she slowly stood to her feet. The smile vanishes into a grimace. The small cuts on her bare feet stung. She looks around the room for anything to cover them, finding nothing. With a sigh, Ruth used a couple of strips from the blanket to protect the lacerations. She would have to head home and clean them before going into town.
Ruth will call Mike. She needs help. Is there a possibility of him becoming her friend? It's possible, but she can't be too trusting of him yet. Mike needs to play his cards right to gain her trust. She thought about what to say while Ruth ripped the sheet and used the two to cover her feet. There's a lot she needs to tell him. Ruth just hopes she is doing the right thing in turning to him.
With a sigh, Ruth's eyes land on the shadows again. The feeling of him watching her seemed eerily calming for some reason. She hums then turned away.
"I'll be back this afternoon," Ruth said to the dark wood, tying the strips around her feet.
"I don't know how much longer I can take. I need to tell someone before it ends up killing me. Even though I prefer it. It's not like there's anything here to fight for anyway. Everyone hates me, you know. I'm the Bastard Kid, the town whore's daughter, and disease."
She paused her work when a thought struck here. Ruth glances over her shoulder at the dark corner. Pennywise is still near, listening.
"Maybe, you can. Will you kill me if I asked you to?"
There's silence in the room.
She waited for an answer from him or even a gesture, yet there was nothing. His presence slowly faded, as if leaving her.
"Pennywise?"
No answer.
Ruth sadly frowns, sighing heavily. She doesn't understand why she asked him that. Asking someone, well thing, to kill her is cruel. Why am I so desperate to die? Maybe I'm just depressed. Or maybe, I'm just tired of living.
She shoves her depressing thoughts away with a shake of her head then stood to her feet with difficulty. Ruth slowly leaves the room and the house altogether.
In the shadows, Pennywise watched her leave. His innocent blues pierced the dark as he eyed her back sadly. Ruth's question if he would kill her when she asked, haunted his mind. He could hear the shame ridden in her voice and see the pain in her eyes. Despite seeking help, the irritating child is losing her fight. She needs more than aid or someone to talk with. Ruth needs something worth fighting for.
Typically, walking from Neibolt to her house on Witcham Street took thirty minutes. With the small cuts on her feet, it took Ruth an hour. It's nine-thirty now. Both of her parents are gone. Ruth stumbled through her window, settling herself on the mattress. Her bed is more comfortable than the couch, that's for sure. Except, Ruth doesn't want to sleep. She needs to clean and bandage her feet. Ruth will do whatever chores Jonathan left for her if there are any. If not, she'll just go into town and find a payphone. Ruth doesn't want to call Mike here. If for some reason, Jonathan came home and heard her conversation, she's dead. She must do this outside her home.
Thankfully, Jonathan left no chores for her. In fact, he gave her a "free" day. Either Jonathan felt guilty for what happened or is making her feel comfortable. Ruth believes in the second option. She is still going to enjoy the break, though. When Ruth bandaged her feet and found nothing in the house to eat, she came here. Ruth stood solidly on her feet at a payphone. She already dialed the number Mike gave her and is impatiently waiting.
She can only hope Mike will be able to talk to her.
"Come on, come on," Ruth mumbles.
It rung for a moment or two, making her nervous.
Oh, god, why isn't Mike answering?
When it rang for the seventh time, Ruth's heart drops to her stomach.
She sighs heavily, "He lied."
Ruth pulled the earpiece away to drop it in the cradle, only to stop.
"Hello?" It was Mike's voice.
Ruth stalled; her breath caught in her throat.
"Hello?" He questioned again.
When she didn't answer for the second time, Mike impatiently huffs.
"Yo, is someone there?"
"Mike?" Ruth starts with a shudder and uncertainty in her voice.
"Ruth?" He sounds alarmed.
She sighs heavily, glancing around for anyone watching. No one.
"Yes, it's me."
"Ruth, is everything alright?" Mike asks urgently.
She uneasily sighs, still watching out for people.
"I need your help."
"What's going on, Ruth? Are you okay? Did that sum bitch hit you again? Where are you at? I'll come_."
"Mike!" Ruth spoke over him.
"Oh, Sorry. Too many questions at once. Just answer this, are you okay?"
"I'm," she pauses for a moment, thinking. Ruth sighs heavily into the receiver. "I'm okay. Just, I need someone to talk with. Can we meet somewhere?"
"Yeah, yeah, we can. Where would you like to meet?" Mike responds quickly, sounding excited.
Ruth had to smile at his tone, He's sweet.
"Someplace where no one can see us. Jonathan has connections. If any of them sees me with you, I'm in deep shit."
"Gotcha. I can't believe I'm saying this, but how about the house on Neibolt Street?"
"No! No, not there." Ruth had to shoot that down fast. It's her safe place. She doesn't want to invite anyone there without Pennywise's knowledge. He'll kill her.
"I guess you're afraid of the place like I am, huh?" He chuckles. "Okay, not there. What about Bassey Park or the back parking lot at the high school?"
Ruth flirtatiously smirks, "You want to take me behind the bleachers, Mikey?"
Mike fumbles. "Uh, hey, school is out! No one is going to be around except for maybe a janitor." Mike lightly jokes. She can't see it, but Mike blushed.
"True. Yeah, we can meet there. How long will it be for you to meet me? I'm fifteen minutes away from the high school."
"You'll get there before I would by a few minutes. I'm twenty minutes out. Now, if I were anything like Flash Gordon, I would be with you by now."
Ruth chuckles, leaning against the phone booth outside and twirling her hair. She looks around again to make sure no one was watching. "You're cute. So, I'll see you in twenty?"
"Yeah, I'll see you in twenty minutes."
"And Mike, one more thing."
"Yeah?"
She hesitates for a moment, feeling slightly guilty for asking this. "Could I bother you in bringing me something to eat? I couldn't_."
"Hey, grandad! Mind if I take a couple of chicken biscuits with? Ruth hasn't eaten yet!" Mike called to his grandfather.
"I don't care if you brought the whole damn plate! Your girlfriend needs some meat on her bones!" Leroy had yelled jokingly.
"Grandad!" Mike yells, offended. "And Ruth is not my girlfriend!"
Ruth just laughs, highly amused. "Your grandfather is cool with me, Mike. I've seen him around a couple of times. Tell Leroy I said 'Hi.'"
"Alright, I'll do that. I'll see you soon, Ruth."
"See you soon," Ruth replies then hung up.
She stares at the phone for a moment, a weight suddenly lifts off her shoulders. I'm doing this. I can't believe I'm doing this! Oh, god, I hope I'm doing the right thing here.
Ruth heaves a sigh then glances around. She died inside when Ruth saw Belch's Trans-Am turn a corner and is headed her way.
"Oh, come on!" Ruth groans and visibly sags.
She knows they saw her since he sped down the street. Ruth can't run. She won't get far anyway. So, Ruth leans against the payphone in defeat.
Within seconds, Belch screeches to a halt. Ruth sighs as the three of them stepped out.
"I'm really not in the mood for you three stooges." Ruth drones tiredly.
"I guess I'm Curly then," Belch replies with a grin.
She returns the gesture with a tilt of her head. "Yep, here you got Larry," Ruth motions to Victor, who smirks with a wink. "And the brains of the group, Moe." She finished, glaring at Henry.
He rolls his eyes with a sneer, "Shut up."
"I'm glad to see you are okay," Belch says, giving her a once over.
"Yeah, you gave us quite a fright, sweet cheeks. You nearly got yourself killed." Victor replies.
Ruth half smirked, "Sorry to have scared you."
"We haven't seen you around for a couple of days. I just wanted to see how you were doing." Henry states, eyeing Ruth strangely.
She rightfully glares at him, "Just trying to stay out of the public eye." More like trouble, asshole.
"You are doing okay, though, right?" Belch asked her, noticing the exhaustion in Ruth's eyes.
Ruth lightly smiles, "Yeah, I'm doing okay. It could be better, though. Thanks for your concern, Reggie."
Henry glances from Ruth to Belch, connecting some dots. He knows that Belch secretly likes Ruth. To see and hear him express concern for her unnerved Henry. He sighs heavily, giving Ruth a once over. Henry is still clueless about the abuse marks on Ruth.
"I'm glad to see you are in one piece. It was a good thing that black boy pulled you out of the way."
Ruth stares at him briefly. She wants to yell at him for getting her into trouble with Jonathan. Instead, she kept her mouth shut. Ruth glances at Victor, he is relieved himself. She tries to smile but couldn't. Ruth doesn't have the strength to do so.
I'm starting to wish he hadn't, Ruth thought.
"Yeah, me, too. I need to go." Ruth replies softly and lowly.
She ignores their concerned frowns and gazes. They can tell something is off, but neither of them wanted to say anything. It is fine with her. Belch was the only one to notice her limb while Henry and Victor got back in his car. He looks back at them then at Ruth.
"Hey, Ruth," Belch calls.
She turns, regarding him in exhaustion. "Yeah?"
"Do you need a ride somewhere?"
Henry snaps his gaze on Belch, his eyes wild. "What the hell are you doing, man?" He whispers harshly.
Belch ignores him. "Come on. Wherever you need to go, I'll take you there."
"Belch," Henry lowly growls.
Ruth stares at Henry then at Belch. She wants to decline, but exhaustion from not sleeping much lately is taking its toll on Ruth. Walking to the high school would only wear Ruth down.
She sighs, "Can you take me to the back parking lot at the high school?"
"Sure, you get to ride shotgun," Belch replies quickly without question.
"Hey, I ride shotgun," Henry growls again.
"Not right now, you're not. Come on, Ruth. I'll help you over."
Ruth smiles appreciatively, following Belch to the passenger side. He had a hand on her shoulder while she did the same and opened the door for her.
Henry finally noticed Ruth slightly limp. "Why are you limping?"
"I tripped and sprained my ankle," Ruth lies.
"And you're walking around town with a hurt ankle. Why?" Henry asked while hopping in the back, glaring at Ruth distastefully.
"Free day," she replies. "Can we go now?"
"Right on it, boss lady," Belch answers.
He turns to her, noticing something different about Ruth. Startled, Belch couldn't help himself in asking. "Are you sure you're okay?"
She doesn't answer, but Belch noticed her gulping. Ruth glanced sideways at him. Her lifeless hazel eyes told Belch something is wrong. Belch won't say anything out loud, but his eyes caught sight of the scars on her forearms.
It's quiet back here, rightfully, so. Ruth needs silence, though. Belch had dropped Ruth off at the high school several minutes ago. He, along with Henry and Victor, will be back around in half an hour. It's enough time for Ruth to tell Mike everything. She, of course, can't spend too much time with him here. Ruth doesn't want Henry or the boys to discover him with her. They will eventually tell Jonathan, well, Henry will, at least.
She heaves a heavy sigh. Ruth sat on one of the tables, staring at the pavement. She's still unsure if going to Mike is a good idea. Ruth wants to trust him. Except, him coming to her doorstep and telling Ruth he's going to help has her terrified. If he intends to help, Mike should have approached her on the street. That's one of the reasons why Ruth is having a hard time trusting him right now. He's straightforward and headstrong.
Ruth waited for Mike to arrive for at least five minutes, maybe even a little more. She did get here a lot earlier than him. The drive was ten minutes. Ruth observed her surroundings as she waited, taking in everything. She could use the back lot as inspiration for her next drawing. Maybe Ruth should start a series of sketchings of people's fears. Why she has this idea? Ruth doesn't know. She could turn her hobby into something to strive for, Ruth always had an artistic eye. She gets excited when Jonathan enlists her to trim and shape the shrubs. The perfectionist in her comes to life.
She perks when Mike showed up. He appears ecstatic to see Ruth. Mike's grin is big and bright, that his eyes sparkle. Ruth felt herself grow hot in the cheeks and shyly smirk. That's the expression Ruth always wanted to receive from someone. Yet, her nerves got the better of her.
Can I really trust him? Ruth thought.
"Hey, Ruth!" Mike beams, skidding to a stop.
"Hey, Mike. Do you have a plate full of chicken biscuits for me?" She jokes, smiling as he approached.
He chuckles. "Yep, along with a tall glass of milk. Something my granddad insisted I bring."
"Because I need meat on my bones?"
Mike snorts, "Yeah, something like that."
He hands her several biscuits that are wrapped in foil. They're still warm.
"Thank you for doing that. You're sweet, you know that?"
Mike blushes as he sat down next to her. He doesn't know why, but Mike glances at her feet. He saw the bandages along with the red mark on her arm. His blood boiled from the sight.
Are you kidding me?
"So, that sum bitch did hit you." He says suddenly.
Ruth pauses, a little startled at his observation. She heaves a sigh then turns to him.
"Unfortunately. These were from me protecting you, Mike."
He stares, startled himself. "What do you mean?"
"Two words: Henry Bowers."
Mike deadpans then wrinkles his nose. "Damn! I forgot about that Mullet Head being there. Let me guess, he called to check on you and blabbed about what happened."
"Exactly. Jonathan even called the library to validate if you were there."
"Christ! He pulled some Sherlock Holmes shit. I need to be more careful like granddad said."
Ruth stares at him, rigid. "Wait, Leroy knows?"
"I only told him what I know from what I've seen so far. I went to him for advice on how I could best help you. I didn't want to do anything stupid to put you in jeopardy. Although it sounds like I did. I should have waited until I saw you in town to return the book. I'm sorry I got you in that trouble, Ruth."
She lightly smiles at him, grateful for Mike seeking advice. "Thank you, Mike."
"You're welcome, Ruth. Tell me, how long has this been going on?"
Ruth breathes sharply, preparing herself. She laid it out thick for Mike. She told him everything he needed to know from how long to the suicidal thoughts. As Ruth spoke, not once did Mike interrupt. He sat there, listening to every bit. Mike, of course, would contort his features in rage or pity. He even touched her shoulder and rubbed her back. It was him giving Ruth comfort. The strange thing about it all was that Ruth never cried. There were a few occasions where she wanted to, only to hold them back.
Mike let her talk it out for the last ten minutes. The milk he brought for her had gone warm, but the few biscuits were gone. He realized then how underfed Ruth is. The poor girl is living in a decent house where the parents don't feed themselves. Mike should have Ruth stay with him where it's safe and have a bountiful of food for her to choose from.
When she had finished telling him, Mike gently takes her hand in his. He eyes their entwined fingers, feeling oddly excited about their budding relationship. Mike is touched that she turned to him for help. He certainly does not want to disappoint her, either.
"I'm going to get you out of there, Ruth," he says suddenly with conviction.
Ruth gently smiles, blushing as she eyed their hands. "I hope so. I don't know how much longer I can take being there. At this point, I have someplace I can go to get away from it all."
"Where is that?" Mike asked, curious.
She shook her head. "I can't say."
"Why not?"
"Please remember, Mike. I need time to trust you. Not to offend you or anything. I don't want to trust someone completely and then get burned."
Mike nods, understanding. "Understandable. Granddad said the same thing. If you have someplace to go where it's safe, then go there. Just know, our door is open if you want a warm bed and meal."
Ruth smiles, "Thank you, Mike. You really are a sweetheart."
He blushes deeply. "You're welcome, Ruth."
His entwined fingers brush her knuckles, smiling. For some strange reason, this felt right. Mike knows it is too soon, but he is beginning to like Ruth. His granddad is right. Mike does have a crush on her, and it's not because of her appearance either. There is something about Ruth that Mike is attracted to. He wants to figure out what that is.
"I know you wanted to talk about everything, but I have yet to learn anything about you. Other than reading, do you have any other hobbies."
Ruth regards him with a smirk. "Well, I do like to draw. I don't think I'm any good, though."
"I'll be the judge of that. The only thing I can draw is stick figures and apples."
She chuckles, "I can see that. I also like to write. I may have to show you some of my work."
"Well, here's an idea. Are you planning on going to the fair this year?"
"Yep. I'm not even bothering in asking for permission, either. My parents will just think I'm off running around. Why do you ask?"
"Well, um, do you want to, you know, go with me? I'll pay for entry and anything else for you."
Ruth tilts her head, grinning wildly. "Are you asking me out on a date, Mikey?"
Mike opens his mouth to counter but stops himself. Wait, did I?
"Yeah, I think I am." Wait, what am I doing?
Ruth knows she shouldn't. The fair will be crowded with people. Everyone knows she is off limits for whatever reason. If anyone sees her with Mike, she's done for. Except, how can she ignore a cute boy who just asked her out? It's risky yet dangerous.
Let's step out of the comfort zone for once, Ruth thought to herself.
"Yeah, I'll go with you. We just have to be careful." She grins.
Mike beams. "Great. How about we meet each other at the entrance at eleven?"
Ruth smiles and goes to answer when she and Mike hear a horn honking. There is even a blare of music. Mike became nervous when he realized who was coming.
"Shit, Bowers. We need to go." Mike replies, then jumps from the table over to his bike.
"You go ahead, Mike. They're um, actually my ride." Ruth admits, frowning slightly.
"Your ride?" Mike questions, confused.
"Reggie, well, Belch, was kind enough to drive me here. He saw me limping and offered to drive me where I needed to go. Belch told me he would be back around in half an hour." Ruth explained.
Mike stares at her for a moment, hurt evident in his gaze. "So, the rumor is true?"
Ruth's brows knit. "What rumor?"
"That you are a member of Henry Bowers' gang. I'm guessing that's true, huh?"
"Oh, Mike, no. I'm not_."
The car horn sounds again, distracting Ruth. "Oh, for god sake. One second!" She hollers.
"You know what, I'm gonna go. Maybe, I'll see you around, Ruth." Mike guessed, agitated.
"Mike, wait, please." Ruth pleads, standing from her spot.
"Goodbye, Ruth."
Mike then forced himself forwards, pedaling away. He doesn't even look back.
"Mike!"
Ruth stood dumbfounded yet felt a weight of guilt on her shoulders. The thought of gaining his friendship and trust is now slowly going down the drain. It might be for the best anyway but might not either. Ruth would have to look for him and explain things. If there is anyone that could help her out of this, it's Mike. With a heavy sigh, Ruth turns to meet Henry and Company.
When she turned the corner, Ruth is surprised to see only Belch in the car. He waves at her enthusiastically with a grin and points to the passenger seat. Oddly enough, Ruth smiles. She may want to fix the misunderstanding with Mike, but Ruth does have other options. Unlike Henry and Victor, Belch looks out for her like a brother would. He's different when the other two are not around. So, Ruth can talk with him and hope to god he doesn't get her in trouble.
Ruth kept her word, she returned to Neibolt later that afternoon. After talking with Mike, she is left questioning how to fix the misunderstanding. Ruth forgot about that rumor of her being affiliated with Henry Bowers. She wouldn't join him even if he made her one. Ruth still plans on going to the fair. She'll look for him there or visit him at his home. Yeah, that's what Ruth will do. She will go to Mike's house and apologize. Ruth needs to take the initiative if she wants Mike's friendship and trust.
Despite the hiccup, it gave Ruth a chance to talk with Belch. The conversation she had with him was undoubtedly eye-opening. Belch announced to her that he saw the scars. He chose to keep it a secret from Henry and Victor. Belch knew getting them involved would only cause problems. While he may be a bad boy, Belch does show some humanity. Belch openly admitted that he didn't like the thought of Henry cutting Ben Hanscom. Since Belch knows now, Ruth trusted him enough to keep everything a secret. He's a decent person anyway. Belch is just hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Ruth walked silently towards Neibolt, thinking. She has a lot going through her mind. Ruth is wondering what her next move will be. Seeing Mike again is not in the playbook right now. She would have to see him sometime tomorrow and apologize. Ruth could go to the library and look up information for a social worker. That's risky, though. Another thought of going to the station came to mind. Except, Ruth knows Officer Bowers is one of Jonathan's eyes. If he saw her there, it's in a casket six feet under. So, that's out of the question.
Argh, what the hell can I do, damnit? I need a distraction, a good laugh, maybe, Ruth thought.
When Ruth approached the house, she can feel something off. Ruth even has the cold prickle going up and down her back. Pennywise is nearby. He's trying to scare her again. Ruth rolls her eyes with a curve of her lips. It's become routine for her to get a daily scare. Ruth adjusted quite well and quickly to Pennywise's antics since she learned he's a shapeshifter. He tried as a mummy the other night. Except, his version was not the campy, cheesy-looking ones from the old black and white movies. Pennywise was a dry rotted, decaying corpse. Yes, it freaked her out at first, but Ruth saw through him. His version of a werewolf was terrifying, as well. The whimpering whine after she knocked him one on the head made Ruth giggle. Pennywise may not have liked her laughing at him, but he provided a much-needed distraction.
I wonder what you have in store for me today, Ruth thought as she turned the corner.
She smiles lightly humming then turns around the corner. What Ruth wasn't expecting is a severely diseased man oozing and leaking fluids standing in her way. She makes a startling cry, stepping back. They watched her with a twitch of a smirk. Ruth shudders as she stood before them, realizing quickly that it's Pennywise.
"Holy sweet Jesus, just what in the hell are you?" Ruth gaped, giving him a once over. Damn, that's freaky!
He gurgled a laugh, choosing not to say anything. Pennywise moves around her to the front of the house, but he was motioning her to follow.
"Just who are you going to frighten with that bizarre form anyway?"
No answer. Pennywise still motions for Ruth to follow.
Ruth rolls her eyes, sighing. "Alright, whoever you're going to scare with that nastiness is sure to freak out."
She comes up from behind him, looking over his infected shoulder. Ruth wrinkles her nose at the smell.
"Damn, you could use a bath."
Leper Pennywise scowls, groaning. He elbows Ruth then points down the road.
Ruth follows his crooked finger to see Eddie coming. She feels a flip of excitement in her stomach.
He's going to scare him! Twitchy is going to FREAK!
"Hmm, Twitchy Eddie. Yeah, he will definitely be afraid of you. But do you know what would be even better? A snake."
Pennywise glances at her, where a diseased brow quirked upward.
"Trust me when I say this. Eddie will shriek. I pulled a prank on him in school once with a fake one. I can only imagine what he will be like if a real one is thrown at him."
Pennywise is silent, considering this. He opts for his idea, though. He moves while Ruth watched from the corner of the house.
"Come on, Pen, please," Rush starts in a hushed whisper. "Shapeshift into a snake and let me fling you." She begs yet anxiously waits for the scare to come.
Ruth watched as Eddie neared, grinning madly. She turned her attention on the leper that is Pennywise. He slowly stalked his prey as Eddie frantically picked up his pills that scattered on the ground. When Eddie caught sight of the leper, his features contorted into fear and disgust. He crawls backward then bolts. The leper following closely behind as Eddie screamed in her direction. Thinking quickly, Ruth rushes around the house and hunkers low near the back porch. She covers her mouth from the sound of Eddie screaming for help as he came around. Ruth watched as he crossed the yard to the chain-linked fence, standing there and looking back.
She then felt the cold prickle turn into a searing heat. An unnatural grin crosses her features as Pennywise stood in front of her. The sight of his tall form intimidated Ruth. Whilst the large bundle of red balloons floating above his bulbous head enthralled her. Ruth stares at them with an odd gleam in her eyes. Their red color reflected on her skin like a camera filter. Ruth's ginger hair seemed redder, as well.
Wow, she gawked.
"Where are you going, Eds? If you lived here, you'd be home by now."
Scare him, Ruth urges.
"Come join the clown, Eds. You'll float down here."
Change, she continues to taunt.
"We all float down here. Yes, we do."
Pennywise contorts his laugh as Eddie screams.
Ruth watches as Eddie got on all fours to crawl underneath the fence. She waited patiently for her moment to add on to his scare. Ruth felt something slither up her hand. She glances down to find a snake coiling their tail around her wrist. Ruth then hears a voice in her head, instructing her when to take the shot. She hears balloons popping, fluttering around her.
NOW!
That is her cue. She stood quickly with the snake curving into an "S." Like Babe Ruth, Ruth pulled her arm far back and flung Snake Pennywise towards Eddie.
Pennywise inwardly grins, WEE!
He soars through the air, his aim in hindsight. Pennywise, hisses then collides into Eddie's chest. The next thing he heard was the boy shrieking loudly. Its loud and shrill enough that Pennywise's eyes crossed at the high pitch girly scream. He even inwardly cringes.
Yikes! Now THAT is a scream.
Eddie frantically pounds at his chest like King Kong to wipe the snake off, grimacing. Pennywise drops to the ground. The tip of his tail barely touching Eddie caused him to shriek again. Cackling in his head, Pennywise slithered to the tall grass. He can hear Ruth's muffled laughter. Pennywise will have her rolling once Eddie is calm. He has one more trick up his sleeve.
Eddie sat on the ground, wheezing and gasping for breath. He takes a big gulp and shudders.
"Holy sweet Jesus, I hate snakes."
He crawls towards his escape, his heart still racing. When Eddie thought everything was alright, something big came bounding after him. He glances back to see the leper lunging at him. It grabs Eddie's ankle and pulls. Eddie's girly scream sounds and kicks at the leper's hand. The leper instantly let him go. He watches Eddie shriek louder and turns on his bum to run. The boy forgot there was a fence in his path and plows into the chain. Of course, the tiny boy grunts from the collision. His face felt like a waffle press smashed into him and left a permanent mark. He could have sworn the leper behind him, guffaws loudly. Eddie doesn't give a damn if he did! He even heard a female start laughing loudly. Who it was coming from? Eddie didn't care either. He drops to his knees and crawls. Once on the other side, Eddie bolts. He runs, crying like the little girl he became with a whine.
"Mommy!" Eddie cries.
Once the boy disappeared around the hedge screaming, Ruth's voice sounds from the tall grass.
"Oh my god!" Ruth laughs.
Pennywise is rolling! The creature can't laugh! Yet somehow, he is. It is the unusual one when he met Georgie. Except, he doesn't stop and lowly growl. Pennywise continues to laugh, which is obnoxious but oddly enough masculine. The sound of Eddie's girly shrill took him by surprise. The boy turning into the big ape King Kong to wipe away his earlier slithery form was a sight to be had. Ramming into the chain-link fence just added on to the boy's humiliation.
"He screams like a girl!" Pennywise laughed hysterically, rolling on the ground and pointing at Eddie's retreating form still.
"That was even better than I thought," Ruth wheezed, holding her sides.
"You were right! That was hilarious!"
She cackles some more. "I told you it would get Twitchy to shriek."
They laughed for a couple of minutes, letting the high go down on its own. After catching her breath, Ruth lays on her stomach. She props her head up with her hands clasped together, watching Pennywise. There is something about the evil clown that Ruth is now fascinated by him. She couldn't tell if it is his abilities or the fact Ruth admires his craft. Ruth eyes his wild orange hair and the silver suit, wondering.
Pennywise must have felt her eyes on him. He glances over his shoulder at her, catching Ruth's grin. A faint brow rose curiously. He wanted to question, but Ruth answered him before he could.
"I'm curious now. Who else did you scare?" Ruth smiles softly.
He pursed his lips and brows scrunched. "Why?"
Her smile widens, beaming. "I'm fascinated by you."
"Why?"
"You're not like any other. You're different and intriguing. So, please tell me, who else did you scare?"
Pennywise thought about it, but he decided not to go into details about any of them yet.
"No," he answers, then stood from the ground.
He marches forward to the broken porch.
"Oh, come on! Please!"
"Nope."
Ruth pouts, crossing her arms while she watched his retreating form.
"Why not? It's not like I have anything better to do."
He refuses to answer.
A determined grin crosses her lips. "I'll just pester you!"
Still, no answer from him as he cloaked himself in shadows.
"The irritating child you've dubbed me as is going to keep asking."
"ARGH!"
Ruth heartily laughs then bounds after him, grinning. I really needed that laugh. Thank you, Pen.
The afternoon went better than Ruth initially thought. Hanging out here and having the Master of Scares reluctantly tell her stories of his scares was quite fun. She enjoyed hearing them, even though they were minimal in detail. Ruth is starting to feel a little less alone now with him around.
Little did Ruth or Pennywise know, their slowly building relationship will shift drastically in the days to come.