A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful week. Got back from vacation at the beach earlier this evening and wanted to update. Got a little more Pennywise/Ruth fun in the first bit then delving into some drama.

I've been doing a lot of fine-tuning while on vaca for Chapters 12, which I'm nearly finished, and 14. Ch. 13 is going to take some time, though.

Like Mike's granddad, I remember seeing Stan's father appear in the film maybe once or twice. I've imagined how one particular scene in this chapter would go. I had to do some research on the Jewish faith, so hopefully, my findings are correct. If by any chance I misconstrued anything, let me know and I'll fix it accordingly.

Either way, I hope you all enjoy the read and thanks for the reviews. :)

P.S. I have yet to see IT: Chapter Two. I'm itching to view it.

Ruth had returned to Neibolt that day. She cried, of course. It's become routine for her to cry daily. Either it is from the abuse at her home, or someone hurt her feelings. That day was different. Ruth cried because she had to break things off with Mike. Partially because he nearly revealed her secret. Mostly, Ruth needed to protect him. She likes Mike. He gives her hope. However, all good things for Ruth are short-lived.

Ruth remembers nursing a small rabbit when she was little. The unfortunate baby got caught in a snare, its hind leg dislocated. She had to hide the frightened animal somewhere so Jonathan wouldn't see him. The rabbit made Ruth smile and was able to keep them alive for a week. She was happy to have the animal as a friend. Except, Jonathan discovered the two. The happiness Ruth felt was gone within a blink when he snatched the healed rabbit and broke its neck. Ruth cried then. She sat out in the yard crying over the lifeless animal, Ruth nursed back to health.

The moment the rabbit died, so did Ruth. It was then Ruth wanted to leave the world behind. She was scared of her environment and relentlessly bullied. The abuse only escalated from there. Seven-year-old Ruth wished for haven and someone to call her friend. She makes that wish every year. Ruth was close to calling Mike a friend. She wants him as such, but Ruth knew what would happen. Her happiness with Mike would be taken away from her. Jonathan will put a bullet in the handsome boy's head. He won't kill Ruth. No, Jonathan wants his little girl to suffer.

She swallows a sob. Ruth sighs heavily, curling herself deeper on the couch. It's been two days now since she "broke up" with Mike. Ruth is upset about it still, along with forgetting her sketchbook. She was so angry and hurt that Ruth had forgotten her prized possession. Not only that, Ruth has yet to discuss with Pennywise what they told her about him. She believes they're wrong about him. Pennywise doesn't seem that all bad around her. He's quite entertaining really, especially when he tries to scare her.

From behind the couch, she can hear Pennywise doing something. He's grunting and groaning, even snapping his limps. Ruth inwardly scuffs. He has yet to scare her today. Honestly, Ruth is unsure if she wants him to.

"Is it wrong for me to walk away?" Ruth inquires, her voice soft.

Pennywise hums in acknowledgment. He doesn't answer, though.

She sighs. "Please, Pen, be honest with me. Was it wrong for me to walk away from Mike?"

He groans, "No," Pennywise answered, his voice different for some reason. "You're protecting him. Why you are is baffling, in my opinion."

Ruth rolls her eyes, lightly smirking. She can hear him crawling up from the floor. "I'm not in the mood for a scare, Pen."

She heard him stop crawling and felt his eyes on her. Ruth sighs heavily, rolling to glare at him. Her eyes widened to dollars and jaw slacked some. Pennywise had shifted into something she had seen in a movie once. Tne movie itself was gory yet dumb. One of the characters left her unnerved and disgusted. Pennywise is deformed, short, and grotesque. All he was is twisted flesh, a face with a sharp toothy smile and no legs, just arms. He grins and started to lean forward to fall on her.

With a startled yelp, Ruth thrusts a fist up and connects his jaw. The creature's eyes glowed red before falling backward with a grunt of a yelp. He drops onto the floor with a heavy thud, groaning as Pennywise landed on his head.

"OWIE!"

Ruth shuddered, "Ugh, nasty! What provoked you to transform into Belial from Basket Case?"

Pennywise lightly whimpers as he turned back to his clown self, rubbing his head.

"Argh, irritating child," Pennywise grumbles. "That hurt! My head still hasn't recovered since the first night you struck me."

"Sorry," Ruth guiltily replies.

She leans over the couch, staring down at him with a smile. Pennywise glares up at her, his arms crossed over his chest and pouting like a child.

"Although, your constant need to scare me directs my attention elsewhere. Did you use that form on someone other than me?"

He grunts slightly with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Some child who apparently is afraid of the ugly human thing. How they are, boggles my mind."

Ruth scuffs, smirking. "You'd be surprised at what people fear these days. You could use that form again on Twitchy Eddie, though. I know he would freak over a deformed ball of flesh and teeth."

Pennywise laughs.

She presses her lips to keep from smiling. Ruth likes to hear him laugh for some strange reason. She studies him for a moment, considering.

"Why do you scare children?" Ruth asks him, genuinely curious now.

He stares at her, frowning deeply. Pennywise told himself he would not speak the truth of his nature. The girl is already morbidly fascinated by him. He doesn't want the irritant to know more than she needs. For all he knew, Ruth would hate him if she were to find out. Why would he be concerned about Ruth hating him? Pennywise wished he knew. However, Ruth must not know. His silence will let Ruth realize she shouldn't be worried about it.

Pennywise decides to leave Ruth, her question goes unanswered.

Ruth pouts at his reluctance to answer. So, she switched tactics.

"They think you're a cannibal, you know."

He guffaws. "Cannibal? Haha, I would have to eat my own species to be considered as such."

Her smile fades into a perfect "O," surprised. "Really? What exactly are you then?" Ruth wondered.

Pennywise stalls, his shoulders sagging. Argh, damnit!

He glances at her, sneering. Pennywise noticed the childlike wonder in her gaze. She's very much interested and will bug him for an answer. Frowning again, he reluctantly shares.

Pennywise groans, "A glamour," he began, turning away.

"A Glamour?" Ruth echoes. She had another question in mind, but he answers for her.

"I'm a species known as Dead Lights."

Pennywise then moved towards the basement door, slowly descending.

"Dead Lights? I'm curious now. Is Pennywise your real name?"

Ruth quickly jumps off the couch, following him.

"No, it's unofficially Dead Lights. I go by Pennywise in this form."

She pauses at the top step, staring at his back.

"Oh. Hmm, I can't see myself going around calling you Dead Lights. Yeah, it sounds intimidating, but I like Pennywise better."

Ruth then grins mischievously. "I think it's cute."

Pennywise missteps. He tumbles and crashes to the basement floor. "Argh!"

Her eyes widen and clamp a hand over her mouth. Oops. Penny is going to be mad now. Ooh, I'm so scared, Ruth sarcastically thought.

"Cute? It's not supposed to be cute!" He spat, glaring over his shoulder at her.

"Well, it's certainly not intimidating either." Ruth states, grinning.

She took in the sight of his sprawled, fallen form. He resembled a sea star with his long arms and legs splayed out. Ruth giggles. What she's about to say is dangerous territory.

"I wish I had a camera. You look like a sea star like that, Dead Lights."

He growls, "Irritating child! I'm going to devour you!"

Ruth was going to challenge him on his threat when they both hear a beep. Startled, she glances down at her watch. It's five-thirty.

"Shit," she mutters. "You can "devour" me when I come back later tonight, Pen. I need to go."

Ruth then rushes up the steps, missing the disappointed pout.

"I wouldn't care if you didn't return, you irritating child!"

She stops at the landing, turning back to him. Ruth wonders now what "devour" really means. Does it mean like it suggests? To eat her or is he trying to scare her? She wants to question him about it. Ruth sighs when she eyes Pennywise from atop the stairs. She searches his frustrated gaze, hoping for an answer by getting a read on him. Ruth doesn't see anything. She'll ask him later tonight.

She sighs heavily. "If you really don't want me to return then why won't you devour me like you say? Better yet, why won't you call me by my name?"

Pennywise stares at her, refusing to answer still.

"Figures you would be silent. I'll be back around nine o'clock. I'll see you tonight!"

He watches Ruth rush out of his sight. Pennywise then hears her footsteps hurrying to the door above his head. Ruth is gone within seconds. He frowns, glancing around his surroundings. The basement seems a little less bright now that she's left the dark. Remaining on the floor, he crawls to the open well. Pennywise needs to be somewhere else. The emptiness inside the Neibolt House weighed heavily on his mind and shoulders.

The place is different when Ruth is not around.

During this time in another neighborhood, Stanley Uris paced inside his bedroom. He keeps glancing towards the door and picking at his nails. He can hear his father shuffling in the master from down the hall. Stan glances at the ajar door, waiting. He hasn't seen Ruth for two days now and is worried something had happened. Stan really doesn't want to think that. If he can discuss the matter with his father, hopefully, Stan will get the advice he needs to save Ruth.

He hears a door open and feet shuffling.

Okay, you got this, Stan thought to himself.

He approached his bedroom door and opened it wide. His father started for the stairway.

"Hey, dad," Stan starts, catching his father's attention.

Donald Uris turns and eyes his son. He nods in approval of the clean, pressed dress shirt and pants.

"Looking sharp, son. Are you about ready?"

Stan huffs. "Yes, sir. May we talk first?"

Donald frowns. "You're doing the ceremony, Stanley."

"It's not about that."

"What is it then? We have to leave here shortly."

"I know," Stan starts, picking at his cuticles. "It's about Ruth."

His father grew quiet, his frown deepening. Donald peers over his shoulder towards the master to make sure Andrea wasn't there, she wasn't. He motions for Stan towards the bedroom behind him, following his son in. With a light snap of the door, Donald regards Stan with a deep frown.

He's met Ruth and spoke with her a handful of times. He can tell the girl is troubled, but Donald always figured it had something to do with the bullying. Donald, in a positive light, likes Ruth. She is a charming young lady. Plus, his son is infatuated with her.

"What about her?"

Stan sighed heavily, "I don't know how to go about saying this, but I've recently discovered that Ruth is in serious trouble."

Donald's brows knit close. "What kind of serious trouble are you talking about here?"

"Life or death kind of trouble. Ruth is being abused."

His breath hitches, eyes narrowing. "Abused? What evidence do you have to back up that claim?"

"Ruth has visual and physical evidence. I don't doubt she wrote about the abuse. Plus, I certainly can't take pictures without someone catching me. I've seen the scars on her forearms. It's hard for someone who is right-handed to cut themselves. I mean, you could but not when they're vertical and horizontal."

Donald stares at Stan, considering. "How certain are you that Ruth is being abused?"

"Very," Stan responds quickly. "Ruth didn't exactly tell me she is, but she's talking to a new friend of mine. They knew each other before I met him."

"If Ruth didn't come to you about it, how would you know for certain?"

"It was the silent conversation they had. Ruth is talking to Mike Hanlon about all of it. I'm not trying to throw Mike under the bus, but he nearly revealed Ruth's secret to the group. That's how I know. I've known for a while something was wrong, I just didn't know what. Now that I know for sure Ruth is being abused, I need to save her."

Donald heaves a sigh, observing his son. "You want to save Ruth? You do realize who her parents are, right?"

"I do. I know The Greyson's are wicked people. I do also realize I can't tackle this head-on, I must be discreet. How to go about doing that? I'm not too sure. What do you suggest I do?"

His father regards him with a frown. "If you really want to help your girlfriend, Stanley, doing nothing is your best bet."

Stan freaks. "How can I not do something? Doing nothing will only end up killing Ruth. If she dies, her blood is on my hands because I chose not to do anything. I don't want that for her. I like Ruth. Besides, weren't we taught if someone is in trouble, we should help them in some fashion? No good deed will go unnoticed by G-d. He will reward us accordingly. If you can't give me the advice I need to save Ruth, then I'll figure it out on my own."

Donald stares, bewildered at his son's insistence. It's commendable and quite possibly the right thing. Stan should probably learn on his own and make conscious decisions. Ruth is in danger, and his son recognizes the potential outcome. Maybe his teachings are not all in vain.

He sighs heavily, twisting his lips. "You can help Ruth, but you would need to figure out what steps to take. I'm unable to give you the advice you need, but I can tell you this. Be wise with your choices, take your time making them, and be safe."

Stan frowns, but nods.

Donald smiles gently and lays a hand on Stan's shoulder. "It's commendable of what you're doing for her, Stanley. I've known for a while myself that Ruth was troubled. I didn't know the extent of it, though. I didn't dare to stand up for her, unlike you. You're finding Ruth's voice within her silence. I'm certain she trusts you a little more than this Mike fellow who almost slipped up. I'm proud of you."

He stares at Stan for a moment, a thought occurred to him.

"You know, there is one bit of advice I can give."

Stan looks up at him, frowning still. "What is that?"

Donald smiles. "Be careful who you speak with and observe closely."

"What do you mean?"

"There are several types of people in this world, Stanley. Some people appear as lambs but are wolves within their core. Yet, others appear as wolves but are really lambs."

Stan blinks, "Meaning people are not who they appear?"

"Right you are. Of course, there are true lambs and wolves. You just have to observe."

Stan nods, understanding this principle. "Okay, thanks, dad."

"You're welcome, son. I can only pray that G-d will bring Ruth a guardian angel to watch out for her during this dark trail of hers."

Stan can only weakly smile.

Donald grins one last time, lightly tapping Stan's shoulder. He then turns to the door, hearing Andrea calling for them.

"Coming dear," he responds then turns to Stan. "This conversation is between you and me. Your mother doesn't need to worry herself over Ruth's situation."

"Yes, sir."

"Good, you ready?"

"In a minute, I need to do one thing."

Donald stares at him for a moment, nodding.

The moment his father left, Stan turned to his dresser. From there he held a pendant in his palm, praying. His prayer is short as Stan didn't have much time. He too prayed for a guardian angel to look after Ruth. Although Stan had to wonder what one would look like. He also prayed Ruth saw the note Stan had given her with the list of art shows. There is a place in the barrens for Ruth to go if anything were to happen. She would at least be safe there.

I'll go there and check when I get back. Maybe, Ruth went there, Stan thought then exits his room.

It's late now. Ruth returned like she promised. She was a little late getting here, but Ruth is safe again. Pennywise wasn't here to greet her upon arrival. No, he's not here at all. Ruth knows as she doesn't feel him nearby. She sighs heavily, starting to believe Pennywise is avoiding her now. Ruth hopes he's out somewhere scaring kids again for whatever reason. His absence left her questioning the creatures need to scare. Is he frightening children for his entertainment or for a more sinister motive? She's beginning to wonder if the others were right. What if Pennywise is responsible for the children disappearances? If he is, then why hasn't killed her yet? Or maybe, what makes her so different from the others?

Ruth is not special. She's not even relevant. Ruth believes she is a waste of skin, an embarrassment, and a nuisance. Jordan said these things to her. They always seem to be true anyway.

She sighs heavily, I'm not wanted and forever unloved.

Ruth laid on the couch, her fingertips drawing patterns on the floor. She's tired but wanted to remain awake for Pennywise's return. They have a routine. Ruth leaves to go home and have dinner then comes back here. Her and Pennywise "talk" for a short time before Ruth fell asleep. Their discussions are usually minimal, to begin with. Pennywise more so mulls around in her head. He reaches the dark recess of her mind to better understand Ruth.

In a way, it's comforting knowing he won't say anything. Ruth trusts Pennywise to keep everything a secret. He's not like humans who go around talking behind people's backs. She's beginning to see the evil clown as a friend. Ruth won't care if he doesn't see her as such. Although, the thought of him admitting he is would be nice.

With another heavy sigh, Ruth remained to eye the dark floorboard. Sleep weighed on her eyelids. Her fingers still traced odd patterns, relaxing Ruth. She hums, lightly starting to sing Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) to herself. Within a matter of minutes, Ruth falls asleep.

Pennywise returned to Neibolt about an hour later after running a little "errand." Upon his arrival, he discovered Ruth sound asleep. Her light snores were an indication. A frown adorned his ancient lips at the sight of her. There a few new bruises on her arms, he's beginning to see a lot more of the male's abuse on Ruth as of late. The extension of the mothers is coming to light. His gold eyes land on the cigarette burns and the fresh wound on her forearm. Pennywise even smells the blood from underneath Ruth's bandages. She didn't do a good job this time. He can tell Ruth was in a rush to wrap up the wound and leave the house.

When will it be enough? He questions.

He sighs then slowly crossed the room to join Ruth. Pennywise sets the sketchbook he obtained this evening near her hand. Ruth will be happy to have it back. He went out looking for it and took it back from the Tozier boy. He was surprised the four-eyed kid had volunteered to return Ruth's sketchbook. Pennywise can only assume the boy was guilty of hurting Ruth like he did. Richie had wished for Ruth to disappear like all the other children. It made Pennywise's blood boil from the hurtful comment. He would have frightened the boy but decided against the idea. Pennywise will scare the kid another time.

Pennywise sighs lightly. He draws the blanket over the curve of her shoulder that skewed off. He moved to take his place by the right side of the couch. Pennywise stops when his eyes land on Ruth's arm, which extended out as she slept. He sees the scars, the other ones. Being silent, Pennywise sits by her. He's cautious in touching Ruth, his gloved thumb ran along with the pink and white markings at her wrist. His chest tightens, and breath lightly hitched. He snaps his gaze on her serene face. Pennywise frowns, saddened by this discovery. He watched her sleep, delving deep into her mind.

Ruth has tried numerous times to end her life. He can see each time she attempted to commit the act, which failed every time. Pennywise doesn't know if he should feel relieved or disturbed. The young girl is living in a dark world full of hatred and pain. It's a life Ruth has lived for fourteen years now. Going this long without human companionship or affection pulled this darling girl in a depressed state.

Searching further, he witnesses the bullying. The children are relentless at times. They would pull horrible pranks on her, do things to get her in trouble, and even hurt Ruth. Pennywise is angered when some Greta girl dumped wet garbage on Ruth.

And they label me the monster here? Well, technically, I am one. There are human monsters out there wearing the wool of sheep for clothing.

Pennywise pondered as he lightly caressed her palm, tracing the many lines and patterns. Why hasn't anyone focused their attention on these scars? They are all worried about the abuse upon her but not the self-inflicted trauma. He knows Ruth talked about her suicidal thoughts to Mike, but never discussed further. "Things will get better. You'll see," is not exactly comforting to hear.

Pennywise is about the only one who is remotely concerned about them. He understands now why Ruth keeps asking him to kill her. Ruth is slowly dying on the inside and is losing her fight. He's known that for a week now. How can Pennywise help Ruth find her strength again? Better yet, how can he rescue her darkened heart?

Several days later

It's quiet, and Pennywise is bored.

He's sitting in the den where Ruth usually spends her time. Pennywise drew odd patterns on the floorboards absently, waiting. He's learned when the girl comes and goes, so Ruth should be here by now. Pennywise desperately needs some entertainment. Regularly, Ruth provides that little bit of excitement. It's something he gets a daily dose of no matter what the circumstances. It would either be him trying to scare her again or from watching Ruth draw. He learns a lot by watching her and mull around in her head. Ruth is a fascinating creature, after all.

Ever since he met Ruth, Pennywise has grown accustomed to Ruth's infectious personality. Granted, the girl has inner strife of her personal demons. She can conquer them, though. Ruth has an outlet that Pennywise has grown to admire. Except, it can only do so much for her. She's merely existing and trying to hide from whatever life throws at her. Pennywise knows Ruth needs something more than a channel. The young girl needs something to fight for, not strive. Someone needs to give her a reason to fight. The bunch that alienated her could have provided that fight. A few may not get along well with Ruth, but they would have worked around it. Alas, they're keeping her in the dark.

Maybe, Pennywise should be her reason to live? He provides her with attention Ruth never received before. He can tell his presence makes her happy. Ruth doesn't appear timid or cautious. She's the opposite when Ruth is around him. Ruth is confident, persistent, and bright. She can be a little sassy, too, and humorous. Pennywise grins at the thought of Ruth bounding inside the house with a wide smile. He glances at the doorway only to find it empty. His grin turns into a frown-like pout.

Where is she? Pennywise thought.

He sighs heavily, wondering. Ruth's unusual absence is bothering him muchly. Pennywise needs a distraction. From within his core, Pennywise can tell the irritating seven are getting close to figuring out where he is hiding. He designated The Neibolt House Ruth's safe place. If they find out, the brats will intrude on her second home.

He must protect her haven.

Pennywise will terrorize the bunch instead of waiting for Ruth. Scaring them will not only protect him but also Ruth. If they ever manage to get inside, Pennywise will surely frighten them away. He stood from his designated spot, rushing towards the shadows.

I'll come through the projector. The irritant will undoubtedly get a kick out of that, Pennywise thought to himself, laughing.

Unbeknownst to Pennywise, the paradigm between him and Ruth will change drastically today.

I should turn around, Ruth thought.

She eyes her bedroom window apprehensively. It's different from out here. Looking in, it seems calm and safe. Ruth scans the bare band-aid colored walls glumly. She was forbidden to have anything plastered on the walls. "Nails and tape damage the paint," Jordan told her. Yet, she has a Hidden by Nature movie poster hanging behind the master bedroom door. "Like you need movie posters and pictures for you to dream. Dreams are nothing but a fantasy," Jonathan says. Ruth believes that still.

Her parents are right, though. The nails and tape would leave behind damage. It exposes the story behind it, a lot like her scars. Ruth may not need posters, but she dreamed of love and acceptance. Although those dreams were squashed years ago. Ruth will never feel loved or wanted.

She gulps harshly at the depressing thought. Her eyes stung a little, too. Ruth continued to eye her room from the outside. Most of her belongings are hand-me-downs. All of the furniture once belonged to Jordan, even the twenty-year-old mattress. Surprisingly, it's still quite cozy.

Ruth eyes the sheets, the feeling from earlier intensifying. Something is terribly off. However, she can't see anything. Ruth didn't see Jonathan's truck in the drive. He's not home, Jordan's car isn't here, either. Why would she feel paranoid? Ruth is not used to coming here this late in the afternoon. She needs to be at Neibolt where it's safe. Ruth does not feel secure here. Every single alarm in her body is warning Ruth to turn away and run. Except, she needs something from her room.

She accidentally left behind her charcoal set. Ruth could buy herself a new box, but she doesn't have the money. Asking Jonathan is out of the question, she won't even ask Jordan. They were reluctant in buying her the sketchbook, along with the graphite and charcoal sets, to begin with.

Ruth heaves a sigh then works on removing the screen. She ignores her instincts, the sickening feeling returned with a vengeance. She wants to vomit. With a click, the screen springs free. Ruth shudders a sigh, easing herself up and over. She glances around the room, nothing. Her bed creaks slightly from under her weight.

She stalls, her breath caught in her throat.

Jesus! Stop being paranoid! Nothing is going_.

Ruth doesn't finish her thought when someone snatches her around the chest.

"Gotcha!"

She screams.

The attack is a blur, black.

Ruth never knew what came at her until she awoke an hour later.

"I hope he scares you real good," Ruth told him a week ago.

Ruth's wish came true. Pennywise scared Richie real good. The clown coming out from the projector freaked him out. The room full of clown dolls frightened him for sure. The girl in the closet with no legs definitely scared him. To met Pennywise topped it. Richie is beyond terrified now.

Richie wished the clown would find Ruth and frighten her to death. If her wish came true, then Richie's should, too. He can only hope it will.

He frantically peddles down the road with the others in tow. They had to get Eddie home. His broken arm needs medical attention. Richie knows Mrs. K will have an aneurysm upon seeing her son. He glances over his shoulder at Eddie. His friend is riding in the basket which is attached to Mike's bike. Eddie looks frightened still and exhausted. Richie understands. He frowns at the sight of him, then flicks his gaze on Mike. He seemed scared, too. Richie glances at everyone, they're all terrified still.

Richie heaves a sigh, turning to the road ahead of him. His eyes widen and yelps. He is quick to maneuver out of the damage path, avoiding Ruth who walked in the middle of the road. Richie hears a startled scream escape her lips, who rightfully holds her hands up to her head. He skids to a stop to briefly glare over at her. His friends stopped, as well. They glance from her to Richie. There is an unbearable tension as they all stared at her. The Losers glance back at Richie then soon resumed their trek to Eddie's house. They don't want to be around to hear them bantering.

Richie took one good look at Ruth who seemed out of it. She doesn't have the sass from a week ago. Ruth looked small and drained of life. Her hands still held her head, shielding herself from him.

"Don't look at me," Richie heard her mumble. Her voice is soft and strained.

He stares, mouth gaping. Richie sees the palm-sized bruises on her arms.

What the actual fuck!? Did someone hit her? Richie thought to himself.

He wants to ask, but something inside him says not to. Instead, he decides to go about it differently.

"Jesus Christ, Ruth! Watch where you're fucking going!" Richie hollered.

Ruth slowly glances at him, her lips trembling. He sees tears brimming her eyes then the vicious snarl.

"FUCK YOU, RICHIE!" She screams.

He watched her turn sharply and ran. Her sobs echoed down the street as she disappeared from his sight. Richie stands there, mouth gaping wide. It occurred to him then, Ruth hardly ever calls him by his name. Something is wrong with Ruth, and Richie is disturbed by it.

Richie immediately started pedaling after his group of friends, frantic. Oh, shit, oh, shit, oh shit! Something's wrong!

"Guys! Wait up, damnit!"

As he hauled ass on his bike, Richie wished he returned Ruth's sketchbook a lot sooner. He wonders still of where it went. Richie wanted to apologize for what he said back at the festival. After having a nightmare that night, without the help of Pennywise that is, Richie, predicts something horrible happening to Ruth.

Richie feels he is too late.